Kindness should not be selective: a Catholic perspective

The spiritual works of mercy and the lives of the saints teach us repeatedly that kindness and charity is a primary teaching of our faith. Not only is this a prime teaching of the faith, but Christ himself modeled it in his interactions, outreach, and healing of those he encountered. Christ showed his followers that every human life is important to God. The outcasts, the strangers, and those without love and support deserved to be treated kindly and fairly. That teaching is just as true today as it was in when Christ walked the earth. Jesus modeled to us that kindness should not be selective. In other words, we need to understand and live out the fact that not only does God not “play favorites” but neither should we.

Playing favorites when it comes to kindness toward others

It is human to like some people and to not like others, but is this the way of Christ? Although this “feeling” may be human, if we wish to follow the Lord, we must remember that kindness is not just meant for some, it is meant for all. As holy scripture teaches us, “For is you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them” (Luke 6:32-33). This is not the only verse in the bible that speaks of the importance of loving equally and unconditionally. When we “play favorites” in our lives in terms of kindness toward others, we are not following the gospel. But how can we avoid doing this in our daily lives to love God and other more?

Ways to be more open and caring

If we wish to avoid being selective in kindness, we must first understand the ways that we are not being open toward others in our daily lives. Are you a part of a clique that does not leave itself open to new people? Do you treat some family members or friends with judgement before even hearing the other side of a story? Do you initiate new friendships and do your part to foster good communication in relationships?  There are many more questions than these. Search your heart to the ways in which you can become more compassionate and open toward other people. Make your kindness universal toward everyone you meet and not just those with whom you feel more comfortable.

Prayer

It is challenging to break old habits, so prayer is essential in avoiding making kindness toward others selective. Pray to the holy spirit to have an open heart and mind to the lives of others. Pray to be more loving and compassionate especially to those who do not have the support they deserve and to those who need a friend. You will not only please our Lord, but you will also experience deeper peace knowing that you are doing the right thing by offering kindness to everyone you meet, not just to some.