How different would the world be if we showed more kindness towards it?

I sometimes feel like we have lost of art of showing kindness and compassion towards others. Instead, we assume the worst of others, are quick to pass judgement, and are ready without hesitation to attack people in whatever way we can. We are quick to stand up for animals, and do anything in our power to rescue them (which is good) but are very slow when it comes to responding to the needs of fellow human beings. We hesitate, and we take time to “think about it” instead of responding to the needs and brokenness of others.

You see it just about everywhere, from social media through to the very street corners where we live. Brokenness surrounds us, yet we choose not to see it, and we choose to not respond to it. And yes, it would be physically and financially impossible to help every broken, helpless person on the planet. But, what if we chose to do small, yet significant acts of kindness towards others.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3 

I have made it my mini mission to become more empathetic towards others. I may not have all the answers, but I use what’s in my hands. That may mean acting on impulse and paying for somebody’s lunch, or surprising someone with flowers. It may mean lending an ear to someone who possibly feels invisible or broken in spirit, or simply encouraging someone with words that uplift and empower.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32 

Being kind doesn’t mean you are weak, or naive, in fact it makes you more human, and it makes you stronger in character. Showing kindness to somebody else could be the motivation that they need to stand up courageously and face adversity. Your kindness could make that person feel like they have not been forgotten about. Showing kindness does not require a lot, just a willing heart that dares to be different in a world that has become so cold.

Kind words can be short to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. – Mother Teresa 

If you feel a bit disconnected when it comes to showing kindness, maybe pray and ask God to soften your heart towards others, and to show you how you can show small acts of kindness to others in need.