A lot of people want more kindness in the world, but is that always a good thing? There are 3 types of kindness, and only one really makes the world better.
Self-Centered Kindness
When you think about 3 types of kindness, this one may not even be on your radar. In action, it’s not kindness at all. Unfortunately some of us are so stuck in our own view, it looks like kindness.
This is simply kindness that benefits us and those like us. It’s not about making the world better; it’s about making the world better for us. It’s about doing things that benefit ourselves and the groups we belong to at the expense of others.
Some feel this is a kindness because it is kind to people, but in actuality, it’s not kind. It does more harm then good by making the world better for some, and, by default, making it worse for others.
Those who are more aware, typically move toward another type of kindness.
Feel Better Kindness
The second of the 3 types of kindness is more self aware than the first. It’s the kind that works to help people. It sees pain and it tries to alleviate the pain.
This is the type of kindness that goes on mission trips to helps disadvantaged groups. It donates to help people that struggle. It’s the type of kindness that makes you feel better.
Unfortunately, if that’s as deep as it goes, it might be doing more harm than good. It might be time to look at something more substantial.
Real Better Kindness
The final of the 3 types of kindness is the type I hope we are all at. It’s the type of kindness that looks at the mission trip and asks “why is this group of people disadvantaged in the first place?”
It’s the type that looks at the donation bucket outside the place you shop at and asks a different question. Instead of asking if you should donate, it asks “Should I be shopping here? Do I need more stuff or do I have enough? Can I get by with less stuff where the people who created it made a decent wage or will I fill my closet full regardless of the human cost?”
The Best Type of Kindness
The best type of kindness is the kindness that doesn’t turn a blind eye to the things that make people suffer in the first place only to give a few bucks out of the excess to help. Kindness makes real changes to make a difference in people’s lives. It stands up for equality and justice. It bucks the system to do what’s right. It stands on the side of the fence that does right by people even when it stands all alone.
What type of kindness do you want to share? What kind of world do you want to live in? The one that’s all about you, the one that feels like it’s all about helping, or the one that actually makes a difference?
What type of life do you want to live?
