This postI’ve been reading Virginia Pearce’s new book, A Heart Like His, and have about a quarter of the book left. I really like the idea of opening my heart and making a conscious effort to be kind. In fact, one of the quotes really stuck out at me: “Extend kindness to everyone you encounter.” Am I doing that? Probably not. Often at social gatherings I’ll retreat into my own comfortable circle of friends, ignoring the lonely who cling to the walls and float around the room, always on the outside of whatever circle they’re nearest to. I know they do that because I’ve been one of them. And still am, sometimes, for that matter. It’s no fun to be on the outside. From now on I want to be kindness incarnate, always on the lookout for the discouraged, the worn-out, the lonely, ready at all times to lift other people up. It may be a kind word, a smile, a pat on the back, or something more substantial, but as a disciple of Christ, I can’t just let time and opportunity slip past me while I stick with my own comfort. Besides, every time I’ve opened my mouth in kindness, I’ve not once regretted it. Ever.
Comments 
Kindness is more than just being nice to someone when they have no friends.
I think that act, being friendly, isn’t kindness. I think it’s pity.
Kindness, in the Gospel according to Me, is not being weirded out when someone isn’t the most socially adept. Just my two pennies.
I think kindness is perhaps better described as caring about other people. And yes, I agree that it’s more than just being nice to someone when they have no friends — that was just one particular facet that came to mind. But being nice to the lonely is being kind, and it doesn’t have to be pity. Pity looks down on the person, shaking its head and sighing, “You sad, sad person.” But kindness cares how the person feels and wants them to be happy, or at least not awkward. I don’t know. It feels like there’s an essential difference here, but I can’t quite put my finger on it…
As for not being weirded out, yes, but wouldn’t you say it’s a lot more than that as well?
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