The media loves to report on random acts of kindness. Some are planned in advance, coordinated attempts to make life a little brighter. There is nothing wrong with that, and we enjoy the stories which result. My concern though, is: when did kindness become a random act?


Recently I bumped into a friend, who asked if I had any good news. Not for him; he knew I was waiting for significant news, and his question and expression were full of kindness and concern for me. This quality, wanting the best for someone else, is no random act, but a display of character. 


Richard Branson apparently said that the customer does not come first. His staff do: he feels that, treated well themselves, his staff will naturally be kind to the customers. 


Can we make kindness second nature in St Albans? 


Do you know someone who is struggling? Rather than wait for them to ask – people in crisis don’t tend to ask for help – could you tidy their garden? Take them dinner?


Yesterday, I found a quote from Ernie Harwell: Given the choice between being right and being nice, it is better to choose being nice.


How many of us make that choice? Or do we insist on being right at all costs?


The Bible is full of references to kindness. We are called in Colossians to clothe ourselves in compassion and kindness, and in Matthew to love our enemies. 


Shouldn’t kindness be something we are, rather than a random act?
 

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here