Be kind to each other.
I don’t know how everyone is feeling, but in difficult times it can be really easy to lose sight of that.
Be kind to each other.
But also remember, people are not abstractions and kindness is not limited to only those in your field of vision.
We are in a time when unkindness to strangers is particularly easy. The people in front of us seem like people. The people at a distance are an abstraction. We need to be especially mindful of this fact.
We must not confuse being kind with being nice. We should also be nice. I like when people are being nice. It’s nice. But niceness is not kindness, so when those two compete we must remember to be kind. There are people in the world who are vulnerable and scared. There are people who will be victims of cruelty. There are people who will be endangered because they have been made abstractions.
To be kind is to care about those people. It is to put their safety above your comfort. It is to act.
As a community, we need to be kind to one another. That means we need intentional, genuine relationships. That involves trust. That involves love. That involves honesty. It will also involve humility and a willingness to listen to one another. Sometimes that may not look nice. But if we keep kindness in our aim, then we can count on each other to be operating with love for one another.
I am lucky to be a part of this community. Community is the way that we can thrive. Community is the way that we can coordinate our kindness. This is a time to turn outwards together, not inward to ourselves.
I’ll be back with another post next week. Next week is a new week. This week is a time to keep kind to one another. So will next week.
Reach out to each other and keep one another close.
Peace,
Jeff
If you're looking for a Presbyterian church in Rochester, NY that's inclusive and supportive, we invite you to join us! Feel free to visit us online by going to our website, Facebook, and YouTube, or visit us in person! Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church is located at 1200 S. Winton Road in the heart of Brighton, NY. If you have any questions, call our office at 585-244-8585 or email us through our secure contact form. We look forward to connecting with you!
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