As we study the virtues and work to integrate them into our lives, we discover how kindness is more than “being nice.” To illustrate my point, I invite you to call to mind a person you would describe as kind. What is authentic about the person? How is this person different?   

Here is how I would describe the person I thought of: Although we only see each other once or twice a year, time doesn’t seem to matter. Each time I am greeted with sincerity, by her looking into my eyes and asking how I am doing. Despite her busy schedule, what matters to her is the person in front of her and what is being said. She embodies kindness, that is, a genuine concern for the well-being of others. 

Even though I am her friend, if you were to meet her for the first time, your experience would be the same. I have witnessed this on several occasions. Her kindness is authentic and flows from a heart rooted in Christ. “From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Mt. 12:34).   

May we all strive to be a little kinder—a little more interested in those we encounter each day.  

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