We live in hard times. People can be cruel. Many are weary and worn down themselves. They have little energy to spare for kindness or compassion. There are numerous Bible verses on kindness, but still, we underestimate its importance.
I knew a man who was tough as nails. He’d grown up in foster homes and now, as an adult, had forged his own way. As a single father, it was vital for him to teach his children independence. Life is hard and he wanted them to be harder.
One day he called me, his voice breaking uncharacteristically. He’d been one minute late arriving at school with his children. Rather than allow for 60 seconds, the school aide scowled at him, shook her head, and pointed harshly toward the office. She showed no compassion for the struggle of a single father managing a morning with many children. He was trying so hard to do the right thing and her unkindness embarrassed him, driving him nearly to tears, and crushed his spirit. He drove off and kept his children home