A simple hello, a smile, how are you, can mean more than we realize. Sometimes people just need a little extra kindness; to feel seen, heard. It is all too easy to get caught up in our own lives, our own little circles, that we don’t offer the simplest gestures, like a hello. I know personally, someone showing me a little extra kindness makes my heart happier. We live in a distracted world, a busy world, a “me” world. We mustn’t forget that we are all in this world together. No matter what our life may look like at the moment, extra kindness will always make things better. May we not forget the blessings of community, of belonging, of genuine care. Maybe we can’t always stop for a long conversation, but a simple smile takes up no extra time. I think of Jesus how everywhere He went. I can just picture Him leaving others with compassion, kindness, and love. God instructs us to love one another, what a simple, yet, wonderful way to do so; to spread joy and kindness. I am not saying we shouldn’t be careful and wise with strangers, we must, but I am saying we must radiate kindness like Jesus. Whether with a loved one or someone we barely know. Recently friend, I met a neighbor I hadn’t met before. She remembered my name on a different occasion when I saw her. She used my name to happily greet me upon walking past me and in that moment, I felt that neighborly warmth. This is the type of love we must be sharing with one another. For it truly does mean more than we realize.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Neighborly kindness

Mark 12:31 NIV

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ‘There is no commandment greater than these.”