When we're feeling overwhelmed, it can be challenging to bridge the gap between strangers, especially when we're not feeling particularly friendly. However, small acts of kindness can be a great way to start building connections with others. As we read in the text, our walk is to have a sensitivity towards and empathy for others, which means being aware of their needs and hurts. Service can produce a concern and empathy for other humans, and it can start with the most practical and menial tasks, such as serving each other on special occasions or through considerate, personal, useful, and beautiful gifts. By doing so, we can show love and care for others, even if we're not feeling particularly friendly.
According to the text, there are two types of service: the pretence of service, where the intention is to help someone but the action doesn't truly help, and the real thing, where the service leads up to the real thing. However, the most important thing is to be there as a loving friend and sympathetic listener, even if we don't know what to say. Sometimes, people need counsel, and we may need to deal with this problem when we suffer. When we're feeling overwhelmed, it's essential to keep things simple and focus on one important theme, and to do it with the fear of the Lord. By doing so, we can avoid overwhelming the person and make a positive impact.
In the context of our conversation with the homeless person, small acts of kindness can be a great way to bridge the gap between strangers. By serving each other and showing love and care, we can build connections and start to understand each other's needs and hurts. As the text says, "Does the person you are helping have an interest in receiving help from you? If so, then you are on the right track." By being aware of the person's needs and showing love and care, we can start to build a relationship and help each other in meaningful ways. Ultimately, small acts of kindness can lead to a deeper connection with others and can be a great way to start building bridges between strangers.