Kindness When it Costs Something: Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

"But the Lord is with me like a mighty champion.” Jeremiah 20:11

Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet", not because he was weak, but because he carried the burden of God's word during a time of great unfaithfulness. He warned the people of Jerusalem about the consequences of their injustice and idolatry, but they did not want to hear it. His own people mocked him, denounced him, even plotted against him. In today’s reading, he pours out his pain but also his trust.

Jeremiah’s cry echoes into the Gospel (John 10:31-42) where we also find Jesus under threat. The religious authorities are ready to stone him, not for violence or wrongdoing, but because of his words, what he does and what they reveal about who he is. This is a pivotal moment: Jesus, knowing the danger, continues to speak truth and perform works of mercy. He does not back down, even though he must retreat for a time.

This is where kindness costs something.

Jesus’ kindness wasn’t merely about being “nice.” It was radical. He healed on the Sabbath. He welcomed outsiders. He forgave publicly. He spoke of God’s closeness and mercy in ways that challenged the power structures of his day. And for this, he became a target.

We may not face stones or plots, but most of us have felt the sting of rejection or misunderstanding when we tried to act with integrity or compassion in difficult situations. Perhaps we stayed quiet when we should have spoken. Perhaps we pulled back kindness out of fear.

Today’s readings call us to a different kind of love. One that doesn’t depend on outcomes, one that trusts God even when kindness leads us into uncomfortable or lonely places. The psalm reminds us: “In my distress I called upon the Lord and he heard my voice.”

A Lenten Question

• What are the situations where I’ve hesitated to be kind because I feared being hurt, or judged, or dismissed?
• Is there someone in my life who needs kindness from me, even if it might not be welcomed?
• Can I see kindness as a strength, not a weakness?

Pray

God of the prophets,
When kindness seems risky,
when truth makes me feel exposed,
remind me that you walk this path with me.
Give me the courage of Jeremiah,
the heart of Jesus,
and the confidence to keep loving,
even when love costs something. Amen.

And Finally...

Today, choose kindness that’s brave.
The kind that may go unseen.
The kind that may not be returned.
The kind that is rooted in truth,
and carried in the quiet strength of Christ.