However, nowadays, in the world of social media where people easily share their opinions, many have distorted the meaning of this phrase, labeling kindness as naive, gullible, or even worse—stupid. Instead, they promote selfish, egotistical behavior, encouraging individuals to only think about themselves. For example, Many people share posts about refusing to lend money to those who ask for it. I don’t judge their decision—not everyone has the same budget or priorities. But personally, my parents raised me to give generously: only lend what you can afford to lose—give it and forget it. Never expect it to be returned. Yet, those egotistical posts sometimes make me wonder, "Why should I burden myself to help others? What if I'm being taken advantage of?"

Fortunately, today I was reminded why this quote should be my belief rather than those egoistic posts. Nothing special occurred today. I went through my day as usual—woke up, went to school, taught, and went home. The only difference was that I had to take care of my private student (just call her “July”) because her mom needed to go somewhere. As someone who doesn’t really like kids, babysitting felt like a burden. Moreover, I’m an introvert who needs some time alone to recharge after socializing with many people. To make matters worse, July’s mom was out for so long that it went past my bedtime. My mind kept wondering, "what if I’m being taken advantage of as a free babysitter, while she carelessly goes wherever she wants?"

Feeling sleepy, I asked July why she didn’t just stay at home since her sister was there. Why would she choose to come to my house? July replied, “Because I’m lonely. My sister is busy with her newborn. I’m not allowed to be in her room because she says I’m noisy and might wake her son. She scold me even though I don’t make any noise! And I’m scared to be in my room alone. Here, I have someone I can talk to.” I was struck by her words. For context, July had just lost her father a year ago. She was a daddy’s girl, always pampered by her father when her mom was away. Yes, her mom is busy, and even busier now that she’s a single parent. After her father passed away, July only had her phone as a companion. Even though her sister now lives under the same roof after giving birth, she neglects July.

At that moment, I realized that kindness isn’t about grand gestures or sacrificing everything for others—it’s about being there when someone needs you, even in the smallest ways. For July, she just needed someone to acknowledge her presence, to remind her that she wasn’t alone. And in that quiet moment, despite my exhaustion, I felt a deep sense of peace. Maybe kindness isn’t naive. Kindness is not measured by how others treat it, but by the love it carries. Even if some take advantage, my heart remains steadfast, for I have given as Christ has taught.