The Need for Kindness

[johnnypapa]

The first question I put to myself concerning kindness is whether it is an obligation. The answer is complex: yes and no. Christians are obliged to be charitable. And since kindness is a species of charity, they are also obliged to be kind.

But this obligation must be understood in a general sense. Specific acts of kindness must be given freely. Therefore, they do not spring from obligation but from free acts of generosity. That is why we say “thank you” whenever we are the recipients of kindness. We recognize the simple fact that the benefactor was not required to be kind.

The Need for Kindness - Catholic Exchange

Perhaps we aren't owed kindness, but everyone is eligible for it. Christ offers it freely to us all, and we are called to give it freely, too.

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