Kindness Follows Kindness
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NRSV)
We recently went on vacation to explore Toronto. If you’ve never been there, it’s a highly diverse, truly expansive city on Lake Ontario. We stayed in a quaint neighborhood a few miles east of downtown. To get to and from our place to sites in downtown (CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, St. Lawrence Market, etc.), we relied heavily on public transportation.
The Toronto subway system is well organized and easy to navigate. We grew accustomed to the 10-minute walk from our rented apartment through a picturesque park active with neighbors and families to the Woodbine subway station, then rode nine stops to the center of town. This took time each day, but it was an integral part of the big city experience. We enjoyed the rush of cool wind and sound of approaching subway cars and being around all kinds of people going about their daily life.
One evening on the way back to our neighborhood after a long day of exploring, the subway car we were on was full. As it happens, people ebb and flow – at each stop some people got off and more got on. As I sat there with tired feet, zoning out from the movement of the train, I witnessed something so simple, so beautiful, and so human.
There was a middle-aged gentleman sitting nearby who noticed an older woman standing with her bags and a bouquet of flowers. Without a word, he stood right up and motioned for her to take his seat. And she did. In the next few seconds, another passenger seated nearby did the same thing and gave up his seat for someone else, for a stranger.
Witnessing these small acts of kindness brought a smile to my heart and soul. It made me want to give up my seat too. Kindness follows kindness, and it’s contagious. A small act of kindness can soften an obdurate heart, brighten a weary soul, and remind someone they are seen.
Kindness is not just good manners – it's a spiritual practice. It nurtures mental and emotional health by creating connection, lowering stress, and increasing joy. Spiritually, it reflects the character of Christ. When we choose kindness, even when it's inconvenient, we participate in God's healing work in the world.
In times of uncertainty, strife, or pain, kindness is even more critical. It interrupts cycles of fear and self-interest. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we belong to each other.
So today, ask God to show you one person who needs kindness and give it freely. In doing so, you not only care for someone else, you also feed your own heart and spirit.
With gratitude,
Emily+