In the light of Christ, kindness is a sacred virtue, one among many, such as humility, generosity, and tolerance. Regrettably, our modern society has strayed far from its moral compass, often perceiving kindness as a weakness, if not a defect. It is viewed at best as naivety and, at worst, as silliness. To many, kindness has become an anomaly, if not a source of suspicion, in the hardening of human relationships over recent decades.
But what does kindness truly entail? In its purest form, it is the disposition to be amicable and sympathetic towards others, always rooted in sincerity and devoid of ulterior motives. It means being helpful and attentive, refusing indifference, and embracing qualities that enrich communal life and make it more harmonious.
As time passes, feelings of insecurity and the rise of individualism in society have further eroded trust in kindness. Instead of generating warmth and gratitude among those who receive it, kindness often raises doubts. Many suspect hidden agendas behind acts of kindness, leading to skepticism and mistrust towards genuinely kind individuals, who are usually deemed self-interested and insincere.
Regarding naivety, it is too frequently misjudged as a lack of intelligence. Those labeled as "naive" are often misunderstood, their innocence potentially causing them to overlook malevolent intentions and encounter future challenges. However, their inherent disposition of trust and benevolence is a positive trait in itself. Consequently, they are inclined to be kind not only to their loved ones but also to society at large. They serve as exemplary neighbors, colleagues, and friends, embodying the ideals we should aspire to in our daily lives.
As always, striking a balance is the key—being kind does not equate to accepting and tolerating everything, for there are behaviors that are simply unacceptable and intolerable. We do not need to surrender to exploitation, but rather, we must learn not to respond to violence with violence. In the light of Christ's teachings, we are called to navigate the complexities of kindness with wisdom, discernment, and grace, ever mindful of His message of love and compassion.