When The World Doesn’t Look Very Kind

When the World Doesn’t Look Very Kind

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Luke 16:10

Sometimes being kind feels as though we are swimming against the current of the world. It can be easy to get discouraged or overwhelmed when we’re constantly being inundated with news of war, violence, poverty, and hunger. The list of needs in our world seems endless and daunting. It can be easy to give up on kindness because we wonder if our small acts even matter in such a broken world.

I’ve questioned this at times too. Then I remember how it felt to be a social worker holding the hand of a man who was dying while in hospice care. I recall how listening to him talk of his love for his children was priceless, and how looking into the eyes of someone who’d loved well for decades was comforting. How the ordinary moments of life—the simple smiles, hugs, and affection shown in words or deeds—were what made all the difference in the end.

The kind words we speak—these small acts of love—have ripple effects beyond just today. They continue to spread, creating a current of kind acts, loving gestures, and sweet memories. They carry on in our relationships with those around us, reminding us that being faithful in the small things is just as important to God as being faithful in the large ones.

Sometimes the best way to combat all the bad things that are happening around you is to do just one kind act in response. Don’t underestimate how far it may go—it could have an effect far larger than you will ever know. And if you find yourself discouraged today as you think about everything that’s happening around the world, choose to look for the good instead.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Smile and say hello to others you pass as you go about your day. You never know what a kind word will do to change someone’s day.