Just a single act of kindness can help someone struggling

I’m not talking about social distancing and wearing face-masks, I’m talking about we relate to one another and I’ve noticing two distinct trends.

On the one hand, I find people becoming unusually friendly toward one another.

They’re kinder, more compassionate, more willing to talk to you, more interested in your welfare.

There’s something about lockdown that has made us appreciate one another more.

I see this every Thursday night when my neighborhood emerges from their homes to applaud the NHS, which is followed by an unofficial social hour, while maintaining social distancing of course.

As a result, I’ve met many of my neighbors for the first time since lockdown began. It’s brilliant.

However, I’ve also noticed that other people are abnormally short tempered, flying off the handle at the smallest provocation. I’ve done so myself on a few occasions since lockdown began.

It’s understandable. You can’t live in a world full of tension, danger, and bad news without it making us a bit high-strung.

But how to we respond when we inevitably encounter someone who is having a hard time?

As the Scottish author Ian Maclaren wrote: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

It’s true. People are hurting, really hurting at the moment. They desperately need compassion, understanding, patience, kindness, and forgiveness.

It reminds me of when my kids are tired at the end a long day. They can have a meltdown over the slightest irritation. They can say things that are hurtful.

They can act irrationally. But as a parent, you know that it’s just the fatigue talking and all will be well after a good night’s sleep.

In the same way, when someone lashes out these days, I’m trying to remember that it’s just the lockdown talking. I don’t need to take offense or lash out in anger.

You just don’t know how a single act of kindness and compassion can rescue someone struggling through one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Todd Roberts is the pastor of Antioch Community Church, Headford Street, Broomhall – see antiochsheffield.org.uk