Daily Musings: Why Kindness is Worth the Effort

We live in a world of emotionally wounded, struggling individuals. Hurting people hurt people; it’s a knee-jerk reaction. Compassion can be a tough choice when we can’t get beyond our own pain. For instance, if I’m going through a family tragedy, I probably won’t be thinking about speaking with sympathy.

Is the inner battle to be kind worth it? Yes, for these reasons:

We rely on each other. Those we serve may give us assistance later. Reciprocity is defined as mutual dependence, action or influence. It also relates to the mutual exchange of privileges.
Kindness benefits the giver, not just the receiver. (What goes around comes around.) We see this truth at our jobs, in our families, and everywhere, really.

Quotes About Kindness

“Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret.

for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true.”—Robert Érault

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“Never look down on anyone unless you’re helping them up.”—Anonymous

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“A good character is the best tombstone.

Those who loved you will remember.

Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”—Anonymous

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“Don’t be yourself—be someone nicer.”—Anonymous

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“There is one word which may serve as a rule for all one’s life—reciprocity”--Confucius

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“The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.”—Henry Boyle

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“If we should deal out justice only in this world, who would escape? No, it’s better to be generous, for it gains us gratitude.”—Mark Twain

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“Use every man after his desert, and who should escape whipping? Use them after your own honor and dignity. The less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty.”—William Shakespeare’s Hamlet; Act 2, Scene 2

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“Be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, tolerant of the weak, because someday in your life you will be all of these.”—George Washington Carver

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“A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”—Proverbs 11:16-17 (NIV) [NOTE: All women aren’t kindhearted, and all men aren’t ruthless. Nevertheless…]

My Conclusion

In a troubled world, it’s difficult to value kindness. Compassion can get lost in the shuffle of issues pressing us down. It takes a strong person to see the benefit in being kind when she wants to tear her hair out and scream.

When we decide to be compassionate, it will be returned to us in a variety of ways. For one thing, our relationships will improve.