Opinion
The kindness that flows from a generous heart
Kindness is one of the Fruits of the Spirit, and Jane Walters reminds us of the joy that can be released when we are kind to each other.
Several factors have led me to my blog topic this time. I’ve been doing some Bible study around the subject of weakness for a forthcoming book; add into the mix that I’ve recently had to cut some things from my diet, and you might see where I’m going. Come with me, for a moment!
The diet thing is a bit of a nuisance, to be honest. I’ve gone from someone who can tick the ‘no dietary requirements’ box to one who might need a bit of extra space on the form. My hopes of being an easy dinner guest for anyone who fancies inviting me are fading fast. My first foray into the world of feeling awkward was as a guest at a wedding in August. I needn’t have worried. I was given a special name-plate at the table, with my needs noted. Each course was delivered with more care than I’ve ever experienced and, for the record, was delicious. I came away feeling seen and cared for.
When you’re in a place of weakness – whether that be temporary or permanent; physical, mental or whatever – you can soon feel vulnerable in your ‘less than’ status. If you’re struggling to get through a heavy door, you want someone who will hold it for you, not barge past because you’re in their way. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, you want someone to support you while you work through it – not berate you for not coping or snatch the task from you.
It has often struck me that the virtue that does me most good when I’m on the receiving end of it is kindness. It might be an unexpected gesture from a stranger: the offer of a seat, a simple ‘thank you’ or ‘no worries’. These actions and attitudes aren’t meant to patronise or make out that you’re a charity case. It’s extending the hand of dignity towards someone who needs it, especially today.
We can get ourselves so tied up in knots about the giving and receiving of kindness. We don’t want to be misunderstood, or to have read the situation wrong and embarrassed ourselves or the other person. We end up over-thinking, second-guessing – and perhaps decide that it’s simpler all round to not bother.
But when kindness bubbles up as an overflow of a generous heart, it’s another thing entirely. Motivated by love and compassion, kindness can be dispensed easily and lightly, not forced or under compulsion. We maybe just need more practice.
The image above is courtesy of pixabay.com
Jane Walters is Chair of the Association of Christian Writers and loves to champion writers of all ages and stages. She leads Green Pastures Christian Writers (currently meeting on Zoom) and creative writing retreats at Quiet Waters. Find out more: www.janewyattwalters.com or @readywritersretreats on Instagram.
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