The Kindness That Loves the Unlovable: Saturday of the First Week of Lent
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus presents one of the most radical commandments the Gospel the passage from Matthew 5:43-48. This goes against every instinct of self-preservation. In the world’s eyes, kindness should be reserved for those who deserve it. Jesus calls us to something higher.
God's kindness is not conditional; He does not love only those who are good. God causes the sun to rise on both the righteous and the wicked. This is divine love. It is a love that is unearned, undeserved, and freely given. By commanding us to love our enemies, Jesus is not asking us to excuse wrongdoing, but instead to refuse to let hatred find a place in our hearts. The highest form of kindness is not just politeness, but choosing mercy over revenge, blessing over bitterness.
Being Kind
It is easy to be kind to those who are kind to us. But how do we respond to those who ignore us, hurt us, or challenge us? True kindness is not a reaction to goodness, it is a choice to reflect the heart of God.
Jesus calls us to a love that does not calculate fairness, a love that does not wait until the other person deserves it. The lost art of kindness is precisely this: loving even when it is difficult, forgiving even when it feels impossible, and showing grace even when we feel wronged.
St. Francis de Sales
"You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so, you learn to love by loving."
St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622) was a bishop, theologian, and Doctor of the Church, known for his gentle wisdom and emphasis on holiness in everyday life. His famous work, Introduction to the Devout Life, teaches that kindness, patience, and love must be practiced daily, not just when we feel inspired, but as a habit of the soul.
Loving our enemies is not natural, it is something we learn by doing. St. Francis reminds us that kindness and mercy are not feelings, but disciplines that we cultivate through practice. Just as we grow stronger by exercising, we grow holier by choosing love, even when it is hard.
Spiritual Empowerment
Today, choose one act of kindness for someone difficult to love. It might be a prayer, a kind word, or even just letting go of resentment in your heart. This is where Christ-like love begins.
Pray
Jesus, teach me to love as You love. When kindness feels impossible, remind me that Your grace makes all things possible. Give me the strength to choose love over hatred, blessing over resentment, mercy over revenge. May my kindness be a light in the darkness. Amen.