Kindness is powerful, yet so often misunderstood. Sometimes we think it means letting people walk all over us, or that it’s weak to respond with grace when someone is rude. But the truth is, as God continually shows us grace, we are called to extend that same grace to others.

When I’m tempted to react harshly, I stop and ask myself: What might this person be going through? The driver who cuts me off, the cashier who snaps at me, or the customer service rep who sounds irritated—any of them could be carrying unseen burdens. They may be grieving, stressed about finances, facing illness, preparing for an important exam, enduring abuse, or silently battling depression. We rarely consider those possibilities in the heat of the moment because we’re too busy feeling offended.

But what if we shifted our perspective? Instead of reacting with anger, what if we prayed for them? What if we offered a smile, a kind word, or simply patience? That single act of kindness could be exactly what they need to feel seen, valued, and loved. Sometimes, it might even be life-saving.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:13:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

We are called to flavor the world with God’s love. As the saying goes, hurting people hurt people. But when we respond with compassion, we can break that cycle. Even if we don’t see the impact right away, we are planting seeds—seeds of hope, healing, and faith.

At the end of the day, kindness costs us nothing, but it can change everything for someone else.

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