The Lost Art of Kindness
Where Has Kindness Gone?
It sometimes seems that kindness has become rare in today’s world. We see it on social media, in politics, and in daily life. There is more criticism than encouragement, and more division than unity. We rush through our days, often too distracted or exhausted to notice those around us. Often times we react impatiently when someone inconveniences us. We judge before we understand. Jesus calls us to something different. He reminds us that how we treat others is how we treat him. If Jesus walked among us today, would he recognize us as his disciples by our kindness?
A Summer of Kindness
Lent may be behind us, but kindness is always in season. During Lent, we often think about giving things up like chocolate, coffee, alcohol, social media. But what if, instead of only sacrificing, we also took something up? What if we carried that spirit into the summer and made a conscious effort to bring kindness into our daily lives?
Summer offers us moments to slow down, step outside, and reconnect, with nature, with others, and with ourselves. What better time to be more mindful, to notice the needs of those around us, and to act with compassion?
Let us ask ourselves:
Are my words building others up, or tearing them down?
Am I making time to encourage, support, and uplift?
Where can I bring a little more gentleness, patience, or joy?
Kindness doesn’t take a vacation. It travels with us, through conversations, small acts, and daily choices. Let’s make this a summer of kindness.
"Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:14
(Photo: Karen Curjel, Lisbon, Portugal)
