Give a Grouch a Cookie
Galatians 6:10 — Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
You know someone. Oh, yes, you do.
You know who I’m talking about.
The human rain cloud, the sigh before the sentence, the person who treats “good morning” like a personal attack. You’re picturing them right now, aren’t you? Well, “Do a Grouch a Favor Day” is an actual day. Now stay with me, because somewhere along the way, we all decided the proper response to grumpiness is avoidance.
You delete the group chat, you slide past them in the hallway, send a reaction emoji instead of actual compassion. But what if instead of rolling our eyes, we rolled up with our favorite snack? What if the person who growls at the staff meeting is just one chocolate chip cookie away from home? Think about that. What if the coworker who vents like it’s an Olympic sport just needs someone to say, “All right… tell me what’s really going on.”
Here’s a wild thought. The loudest grump in the room might just be the loneliest heart in the room. And maybe this is our chance to lean in, to do a little good right where we are, especially when it would be easier to keep our distance.
Now here’s a few things you could do.
You could surprise them with their go-to treat, maybe offer help with the project they’ve been wrestling with. Or even just write a note that says, “I see you.”
Or another thought—just let them grumble it all out.
Because sometimes the cure for cranky isn’t correction. It’s compassion. A gentle answer turns away wrath—not a clapback, not a sarcastic meme. Gentleness.
So today, find the grouch and love them anyway. Not to fix them or win them over, but to quietly choose kindness in a place where it’s rarely expected. Take every opportunity you have to do good. Because sometimes hearts soften one small act at a time… and yes, a chocolate chip cookie probably doesn’t hurt either.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- Who in your life is difficult to love right now?
- Have you ever considered that someone’s irritability may be masking loneliness or pain?
- How do you typically respond to negative or grumpy people?
- What is one practical way you could “do good” for someone this week without expecting anything in return?
- How has God shown patience and kindness toward you in difficult seasons?
