Kindness and Compassion by Rev. Teresa Stuefloten M.Div. 7/20/2025

Good morning! I am speaking this morning about kindness and compassion. This is a very timely topic because we can all see so many examples in the world right now of actions that are not kind and compassionate. Innocent people are being rounded up and sent to atrocious internment conditions, simply because of their ethnicity and their status. Innocent people are being bombed in many areas of the world for power and revenge. People in political power are taking needed food and medical services from the poor to benefit the rich. And people in political power, as well as those who support their actions, are laughing about the cruelty. Many of us are asking, “What has happened to kindness and compassion?”

If we are people of faith, people who turn to God for answers, we can look to our spiritual guidebooks for answers as to how we are to treat others. Christ Jesus taught kindness and compassion for all, for the poor, for the stranger, and even for those with whom you disagree. This can certainly be challenging at times to extend kindness to those with whom we do not agree, but we need to think about how we can have kindness and compassion even for those who we see are perpetrating cruelty and lacking compassion.

In Christ Jesus’ day, the Samaritans were considered to be less than and unclean, by the Jews due to their religious practices and their intermarrying with non-Jews, as well as political reasons behind the differences. Christ Jesus, illustrating that we are to be kind and compassionate to all people, tells the story of

the Good Samaritan in the book of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37.

I like this paraphrasing and analysis of the story from the website, discoverjesus.com . I quote:

“While Jesus and the apostles Nathaniel and Thomas were lodged in Jericho overnight before attending the Feast of Dedication in December of 29 CE, a large crowd gathered around them to ask questions. Between Jesus and the two apostles, a good discussion was developing with the listeners. But a devious lawyer in the crowd wanted to force the Master into a compromising position. He first asked Jesus: "Teacher, I would like to ask you just what I should do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied: "What is written in the law and the prophets; how do you read the Scripture?" The lawyer, knowing the teachings of both Jesus and the Pharisees, answered: "To love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself." Then Jesus told the lawyer that he was correct and that following this law would lead the man to eternal life.

The lawyer went even further then, hoping to embarrass Jesus. He drew closer to the Master and asked: "Teacher, I should like you to tell me just who is my neighbor?" The Jewish law was very strict about who could be considered a "neighbor," teaching that only "the children of one's people." could be considered a neighbor. The lawyer knew that Jesus had different ideas about such things, so he hoped that Jesus would say something that could be seen as a violation of that sacred law and be used against him.

But Jesus was fully aware of the lawyer’s sinister motives. So, instead of answering the question directly, the Master told a story that proved to be more than instructive to both the lawyer and this Jewish audience.

Jesus began his story: "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell into the hands of cruel brigands, who robbed him, stripped him and beat him, and departing, left him half dead. Very soon, by chance, a certain priest was going down that way, and when he came upon the wounded man, seeing his sorry plight, he passed by on the other side of the road. And in like manner a Levite also, when he came along and saw the man, passed by on the other side. Now, about this time, a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed down to Jericho, came across this wounded man; and when he saw how he had been robbed and beaten, he was moved with compassion, and going over to him, he bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and setting the man upon his own beast, brought him here to the inn and took care of him. And on the morrow he took out some money and, giving it to the host, said: ‘Take good care of my friend, and if the expense is more, when I come back again, I will repay you.’

Then Jesus said to the lawyer: "Now let me ask you: Which of these three turned out to be the neighbor of him who fell among the robbers?" At this, the lawyer was forced to answer "he who showed mercy on him." And Jesus told the lawyer to go and do the same.

The lawyer answered, "he who showed mercy," because he could not even say the word "Samaritan." To say that a Samaritan was the one who was most neighborly would have made the lawyer guilty of violating the very law that he wanted Jesus to violate. So, in this masterful way, Jesus confounded the deceitful lawyer. At the same time, Jesus’ story was a remarkable reproach to all the Jews, taking them to task for their unfair attitude towards the Samaritans.

The story of the Good Samaritan is widely known and beloved, and it continues to promote brotherly love among all who hear it.”

(End of quote)

It seems to me that this story from the Master Christ Jesus applies to so much that we see in the world right now. Some people want to make those they see as different into enemies. They want to deny the humanity of those they see as different. They have different skin. They have a different language. They eat different food. They come without official papers. Some want to justify the cruelty being done to these people by seeing those they deem to be different as taking something away from them in some way. How is this any different from the story of the Good Samaritan?

Think about the courage is takes someone who is fleeing dangerous conditions in their home country to set out on foot, traveling hundreds of miles, facing dangers along the way. Think of the desperation that causes someone to cross a raging river to enter another country, taking the risk of drowning in the process. Think of the kind of work that awaits them, back breaking work in the agricultural fields for low wages. Think with compassion on those who would think this is a preferable alternative to the conditions they came from.

Think of the fear and panic of those rounded up, often from their work places, and taken into custody by armed men wearing masks, merely for the crime of being from another country without documentation. Think of the misery of the inhumane detention camps they are taken to, simply for the crime of being from another country, being deemed as different and less than. Think about this with the heart of kindness and compassion.

There are others who are often judged and seen as less than. Bikers are one example. This story shows a different picture:

“When I was seven, my family drove to the Grand Canyon. At one point, my favorite blanket flew out the window and was gone. I was devastated. Soon after, we stopped at a service station. Moping, I found a bench and was about to eat my sandwich when a biker gang pulled into the station. “Is that your blue Ford?” a huge, frightening man with a gray-and-black beard asked. Mom nodded reticently. The man pulled my blanket from his jacket pocket and handed it to her. He then returned to his motorcycle. I repaid him the only way I knew how: I ran up to him and gave him my sandwich. — Zena Hamilton, United Kingdom”

Homeless people are another group often judged as less than. Here is a story that shows another perspective on the homeless.:

“This is Mike. He’s the man I’ve mentioned a few times here on Facebook. Every time I see him in Clarksville, I feel compelled to help, and I do so because I truly believe I was put in his path for a reason. Since the first time we spoke, I’ve felt a deep sense of connection, which is why I continue to offer whatever help I can.

I wanted to share Mike’s picture because he’s not just a homeless man — he’s a person who’s fallen on hard times, but with an incredibly kind and gentle soul. The last time we spoke, I asked him his name, and it brought tears to his eyes. I don’t think he could believe that someone cared enough to ask. But the truth is, I care. His name matters to me.

I wish I could do more to help him, but for now, I can only do what I can. Maybe by sharing his story, others will feel moved to help as well, and together we can make a real difference in his life. If nothing else, he can always use our prayers.” (Quora.com)

Senior citizens can be seen as “other,” especially if they are poor. They can be judged as a burden, no longer contributing to society. Here is a story of kindness and compassion extended to a senior couple.”

“Earlier this evening, an 84-year-old woman called the station, urgently needing help with installing her air conditioners. She shared how unbearably hot it was inside her home and how she'd struggled to find anyone willing to assist her. With the temperature already at 85°F and expected to rise, Sgt. Spetelunas knew something had to be done.

Without hesitation, he offered to help her and her husband, and with the assistance of Officer Borsari, they managed to install one of the window AC units. But the story doesn’t end there. As the officers worked, several neighbors noticed the effort and came forward to lend a hand. Together, they helped install the remaining two air conditioning units for the couple.

This small act of kindness blossomed into a heartwarming display of community support, reminding us that compassion is contagious and can ripple out in the most unexpected ways.

It’s moments like these that make all the difference.” (Quora.com)

Not just humans, but animals can also be judged as less than, especially animals living on the streets. This story illustrates kindness and compassion toward homeless animals:

“There’s a beautiful story of kindness I wanted to share. The owner of a local store has been giving away food to abandoned street dogs, and over time, these dogs have come to know exactly where to go for a meal. Every morning, as soon as the store owner opens the door, the dogs are already there, waiting patiently for their food. They know the man’s kindness, and they arrive early, eager for their breakfast.

It’s heartwarming to see how these animals trust the man and are so grateful for the small but significant gesture of compassion.

God bless people like him who go out of their way to help those in need—whether human or animal.” (Quora.com)

There is a practice of paying it forward that can bring kindness and delight to others you don’t even know. This happened to my late husband, Rev Mark, and me one time in the drive-up line at the Starbucks we frequented after his infusion treatments at Kaiser every other Saturday. We ordered our usual drinks and snacks to have on the way home. Rev Mark liked black coffee, and sometimes a vanilla latte, or if it was warm, maybe a cold drink like the Dragon Drink. And he always got a cheese danish, his very favorite snack from Starbucks! We ordered our food like usual and after waiting for a few cars ahead of us, we got to the window, prepared to pay for our order. To our surprise we heard, “There is no charge. The person before you paid for your order!” We were so surprised at a stranger’s kindness. The next time we were in line at Starbucks we paid for the order of the person behind us, extending that kindness to a stranger, just as had been done for us.

This is the story of a similar experience a couple had while dining out:

"While we were dining, a man finished his meal, came over to our table, and shared that it was his father's birthday, even though his father had passed seven years ago. He placed a $20 bill on the table, telling us to apply it to our bill, and then walked away with tears in his eyes. This simple yet powerful act of kindness reminded us that goodness still exists in this chaotic world.

Later, as we were leaving Walmart, we saw a man at the traffic light holding a sign that read, 'Smile, you're beautiful.' It was one of those moments that restored faith in the kindness of strangers.

Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impact.”

(quora.com)

Another similar story from the website Random Acts of Kindness:

“My wife and I were out to lunch/dinner the other afternoon. We are "middle class seniors". After a lovely meal, the server brought some boxes for left-overs. She said there was no bill, that our bill had been paid by a random couple sitting near by who had already left! They didn't say a word to us.

Just a random act of kindness.

We left the server $25. Everyone was pleased!”

Everything we have is supplied by the Divine. We do not truly own anything. It all belongs to God. We are one in God, one with one another. If you are for taking needed programs and assistance from those who truly need it, the poor, the disabled, the elderly, the immigrant, then you are also for depriving yourself of what you need. You are denying that you can be an avenue for God’s abundance to flow to others. The truth is that we are all avenues for God’s blessings to flow to our fellow beings. We are meant to share what we have been given by the Divine, to be avenues for kindness and caring to flow to others. When we share, we all have what we need.

The Dalai Lama’s message for his 90th birthday was:

“Strive not only for physical progress, but for a peaceful mind and a kind heart - extending compassion not just to those close to you, but to all.”

The Bible, in Genesis 4:9, says we are our brother’s keeper. This means we need to extend kindness, compassion, caring and empathy to all of our fellow beings.

In this challenging time we are living through right now, we can all use a little more kindness and compassion. It will help all of us have an easier time if we all commit to doing all we can to spread kindness and compassion to others.

A woman in my yoga class told me about a program at our local library for people who need help with literacy. There is a training program for those who would like to volunteer as a tutor. Then they match the volunteer with someone who is on the waiting list. The tutoring can be online or in person. She said there are currently 47 people on the waiting list who need a tutor and no available tutors who are not already helping someone else! She is on a mission to recruit more volunteers. That sounds to me like a wonderful way to extend kindness and compassion to another person.

There is an organization called the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. They have a website randdomactsofkindness.org .

They have a list of kindness ideas. Some of the ideas involve only being aware of opportunities to be kind, such as:

Be an active listener when in the company of others. (Everyone like to feel heard.)

Be kind to people in the service industry. (And I will say especially restaurant servers; its a tough job. And grocery clerks, smile and say something nice to them!)

Let somebody merge while in traffic. (How much effort does that take? Make someone’s commute a little kinder.)

Send an encouraging email to a colleague. (Lift someone up.)

Sharer a favorite memory with a loved one.

Text someone good morning or good night. (Let someone know you care.)

Challenge yourself to write only positive comments online.

Compliment with reckless abandon. (Everyone likes to hear a sincere compliment.)

Look in the mirror and say 3 positive things about yourself.

Laugh often. It releases feel good chemicals.

Some of the ideas require a little effort, such as:

Donate used towels and blankets to a shelter.

Take time to play a game with a child in your life.

Celebrate someone you love.

Take a walk outside and reconnect with nature.

Shop local and support small businesses. (There is a local bookstore near me that has been there for 25 years. I have decided to buy my books there as much as possible rather than ordering books from Amazon. They can order any book I want if they don’t have it. It may take a few days to arrive, but I am helping the couple who owns and operates the shop to make a living.)

Use a reusable water bottle. (This is about being kind to the environment. I am trying remember to bring my own cup to Starbucks to avoid all of that plastic waste. After I wash the cup at home I try to return it back to my car right away so it’s there for the next time.)

Leave quarters at a laundromat. (That would sure be a delightful find for someone who doesn’t have a lot of money.)

And some of the ideas require more effort, such as:

Donate blood.

Be a friend to a lonely neighbor.

Cook a meal for someone who is struggling.

Take someone to your favorite place.

Visit a senior home and deliver a kind surprise. (When my Mom passed away, I had pizza delivered for lunch for the hard-working staff at the senior home where she had lived for a year and a half. And the residents were always delighted when someone came to perform music.)

Leave snacks and refreshments for delivery drivers. (I saw an idea where a woman had a shelf at the end of her driveway with snacks for delivery drivers and a message that told them to take a few snacks and have a nice day, which I’m sure brings them smiles and a warm feeling that someone cares.)

And one suggestion really requires no effort at all, just intention:

Make kindness the norm.

I challenge you to add to this list with your own ideas about how to spread kindness and compassion for others. We are one humanity. Remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When in doubt, ask yourself how you would like to be treated. Use that as your guide.

It gives me the feeling that there is something I can do to help when I donate to groups that assist others, sharing the blessings I have been given with those in need of assistance. This past week I sent a check to the United Farm Workers. I want them to know that there are people who care about them, appreciate the hard work they do to bring food to our tables, and believe they are worthy of love and respect. And I want to contribute to their defense, to those who have the power to mount legal challenges. I can use the material resources I have been blessed with to bless others and alleviate suffering.

There are so many good organizations to contribute to that are doing the work of kindness, caring and compassion. Operation Smile is an organization that provides free surgery to poor children who were born with cleft palate. Mercy Ships is an organization that provides free surgery to poor children for various debilitating conditions.

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, especially the most disadvantaged and those hardest to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, they do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential.

They provide and advocate for education, health and nutrition services. They work to protect children from violence and abuse, bring clean water and sanitation to those in need, and keep them safe from climate change and disease.

They are the world’s largest provider of vaccines. UNICEF also runs the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse. Before, during and after emergencies, they are on the ground with life-saving help and hope.

ChildFund is a global community of people who care about children and take action to help them grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe. Their mission is to create a world where all children live at their fullest potential. They partner to support children facing challenges no child should have to endure. In the U.S., supporters can sponsor an individual child in 23 countries. You can write letters to your sponsored child and receive letters back from them. Rev Mark and I started doing this when our children were young and saw it on TV. Their young hearts were filled with compassion for struggling children. ChildFund volunteers were in front of my grocery store this week looking for new sponsors.

World Vision is another good organization where you can sponsor an individual child. They are a Christian organization following Jesus’ example to show unconditional love to the poor and oppressed, sharing God’s love in culturally sensitive ways.

World Central Kitchen is another great humanitarian organization that is on the ground, cooking and providing food to those in war zones, areas of natural disasters, and other areas of need. It was started by Chef Jose’ Andres and is world wide.

And, of course, the Red Cross is also on the ground assisting with disasters, and operating blood drives, as they always have been.

Your local food bank is a good place to donate. There will be an increased need for food assistance as funding is cut for government programs. And if you would like to volunteer, food banks usually need help packing boxes and bags to give to those in need.

There are several churches in my area that provide a dinner once a week for those who need food. They always need volunteers, too.

It will soon be back to school time, and in my area there are organizations putting together donated school supplies for children in need: backpacks, pens and pencils, markers, etc. Stores like Target have back to school sales where you can buy the supplies at discounted prices and donate them to help children whose families struggle to make ends meet.

I heard the quote from Mr. Rogers’ mother today on my local Public Radio station about looking for the helpers. Mr. Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

We can be the helpers, sowing kindness and compassion in the world. We can be the Good Samaritans in the world.

You can join the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation online. They call themselves Raktivists! They are activists doing kindness and compassion as their way of countering cruelty and injustice in the world.

And, of course, we can all make our voices heard with our elected representatives, letting them know that we stand for kindness and compassion toward all in our government programs, policies, and actions. We stand for a world of kindness and caring, where everyone feels loved and valued, and everyone has all they need to thrive! And so it is!