Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard how rising xenophobia has led to some ugly behaviour in Singapore. But did you know that there’s something else that’s spreading?

We’ve rounded up a few examples where we saw love in action on our little island. Here’s hoping it encourages you to spread kindness too!

1. KAMPONG SPIRIT IN PUNGGOL 

This Facebook post quickly went viral: A resident in Block 267B in Punggol had placed a bottle of hand sanitiser and some masks in the lift so that fellow residents could help themselves to these items for free. 

What’s more amazing is that this goodhearted gesture was not the only one in Punggol. In the comments section of the post, other users shared photos of similar initiatives elsewhere.

Now that’s one example of being a good neighbour (Luke 10:27)!

2. STUDENTS DELIVER MEALS TO THEIR HOSTEL MATES, ORGANISE GAMING MARATHON

Since January 27, 18 students from the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) University Scholars Programme residential college, Cinnamon College, have been delivering meals to school mates affected by the 14-day leave of absence (LOA).

Besides dropping off food three times a day, they have been including handwritten notes of support together with these deliveries. These helpful students are also part of a Telegram chat group with their affected hostel mates to ensure that they are doing okay.

Elsewhere on campus, the NUS E-Gaming Society has also volunteered to plan a 10-day social e-gaming event starting today, February 5, to connect the students who are on LOA with the rest of the student community.

Here’s how it was advertised: “What can you do if you are stuck in a room with good wi-fi and a trigger finger?”

We celebrate the heart and goodwill of these students, and hope that similar efforts can be made even without a pressing virus threat. Imagine how many others in society would stand to benefit from such initiatives?

3. FREE MASKS ON CAROUSELL 

Multiple users on the online marketplace platform Carousell have been taking the initiative to give out masks to the public for free.

These kindhearted Carousellers say that the free masks given out are meant to benefit those who could not purchase one as a result of the panic buying at shops, especially for the elderly and children.

Such noble actions stand in stark contrast to those who profiteer off masks and hoard them. 

4. PEOPLE LEAVING THEIR 4 MASKS FOR OTHERS

With many households facing mask shortages, the Government stepped in to make sure every one of the 1.4 million households in Singapore has at least 4 masks. But did you know that some have come forward to say that they won’t be collecting their masks because they have enough of their own?

Their rationale: It’s better to leave them for others who need it more. 

We have a great opportunity to check in on our neighbours to see if they have enough masks, or if they need any other help. That’s how we’ll get through this tough time together!

5. THE BOYS WHO WORKED ROUND THE CLOCK 

It’s certainly not a task that our boys in green normally fall in for, but a massive mask-packing operation was underway at the SAFTI Military Institute last week.

It was reported that around 1,500 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen worked around the clock in eight-hour shifts to ensure that the 5.2 million masks to be delivered to Singapore households from Saturday (February 1) were packed in time.

While we’re thanking the people who dispensed the masks, we mustn’t forget the folks who packed them for us. Kudos to our SAF personnel and the People’s Association! You guys have done a great service to the nation. 

This is certainly a distressing time. But as Christians living through this coronavirus outbreak, it’s not all doom and gloom – we have a great opportunity to show the love of God to our fellowmen. 

Having read all these reports of kindness, I’m reminded of a verse in the Bible.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

We must have our eyes on the vulnerable and needy for they experience God’s love through us greatly.

And consider also, the Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Colossae: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

So let’s suit up with these qualities and spread the love of God, for in doing so we will quickly find that kindness is infectious. May people see the kindness of God through us!