1294) Have you ever noticed for many of us, carrying a conversation with, relating to and being kind to strangers can be so much easier than these things can be with those we know well? I have and I’ve spent some time exploring why this is often true.

When you are around those you have not invested your time, energy and heart into, it’s easier to be kind. You don’t have to risk painful vulnerabilities because you may never see them again. It’s also easy to be kind to strangers because you don’t have a history that has held difficulties, annoyances and conflict.

Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:24 that to have better relationships, we need to be kind to everyone. Looking for the “random act of kindness” is admirable, but how much more so when it’s someone we rub shoulders with each day? Saying the encouraging word or not saying the negative thought. Asking how a person’s day is going and stopping long enough to hear their answer. Looking for and commenting on something another is doing that is positive.

Being kind sometimes comes in small packages, but these packages are valuable.