Bob Guier

Jesus was not crucified for being nice. He was crucified for being bold and confrontational. Don’t misunderstand. He was the kindest person who ever lived, but he wasn’t a sap. He knew when kindness and empathy were called for, but he also knew when it was time to get in someone’s face and tell them the truth. God has not called us to be nice. He has called us to be good. Nice people never confront evil and error; good people do.

Frederick W Faber

With the help of grace, the habit of saying kind words is very quickly formed, and when once formed, it is not speedily lost. Sharpness, bitterness, sarcasm, acute observation, divination of motives, – all these things disappear when a man is earnestly conforming himself to the image of Christ Jesus. The very attempt to be like our dearest Lord is already a well-spring of sweetness within us, flowing with an easy grace over all who come within our reach.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

When those on his right hand asked in surprise, “When? Where?,” he answered, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25: 34–40). With that we face the shocking reality. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He asks for help in the form of a beggar, a down-and-out, a man in ragged clothes, someone who is sick, even a criminal in need of our love. He meets you in every person you encounter in need. So long as there are people around, Christ walks the earth as your neighbor, as the one through whom God calls to you, demands of you, makes claims upon you.