Adults almost have an allergy to kindness being shown to them. It’s undignified to have someone care for you, it would seem to some, as if the slightest sign of need or weakness is a moral failing and not just a matter of mortality. Well if no one else will tell you this, I will. Kindness is more than something we are commanded to give. We are permitted to enjoy it ourselves.

‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

Revelation 7:16-17

Imagine serving a God who wants to take your face in his hands and dry the tears from your cheeks and thinking that he wants you to be tough. He knows your needs better than anyone. Let him be kind to you whether through the comfort of his Spirit or the hands of his Church.

Who cares? God does, and so do his people.

Ethan Kirl