Kindness Cannot Be Overrated

A number of things that have happened in the last couple of days have given me pause. I've read things that sounded like they were so hurtful when said to the others on the receiving end. I've heard things intended to be kind or neutral, but came out wrong, causing hurt. I felt my blood rush cold with concern when I sensed someone had said or done something wrong to someone else, even inadvertently. Lately I've felt the sadness of witnessing hurt. I know I'm guilty of having said (or done) something about which I'm later ashamed. I think we all have, or at least I hope we have. I imagine Jesus himself felt shame on behalf of others, even though he never harmed a soul. But then, people felt harmed by Jesus. The people doing wrong did. My point - yes, I have one. Feeling ashamed because we or someone we care about made a mistake is good. It proves our humility and humanity and keeps us in check to not say or do something upsetting to someone else even inadvertenly. Feeling bad when we realize someone was hurt by something someone else said or did is actually a good thing. Those feelings prove we have compassion and we care for one another. Working through the discomfort can be challenging. Holding others blameless is a great first step (forgive them...for they know not what they do), or at least to err on the side of caution that a person didn't intend to harm another. But what about when you're sincere, not intending harm, but just pointing out a hard truth. A truth that is received very badly. The Pharasees that wouldn't accept Jesus without condemning him. Sometimes our ego gets in the way of accepting quality feedback. I am trying to learn from those wiser than me that listening to what others say while always assuming no malice of intent is tricky. Sometimes it's hard. There's nothing wrong with being sensitive. Sensitive is good, because we feel all the emotions we should. Reacting to the emotions we feel is where we can get into trouble. Reacting to others is where we need to assume "no fault, no blame" and be quick to show grace and forgive. I know I'm trying to do that.