One of the greatest acts of kindness is helping someone in need. However, I have learned that the way we help people matters just as much as the help itself.
There is a saying that people may forget what you gave them, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Sadly, many people offer help in ways that leave others feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Some remind people of their struggles repeatedly, while others make a public display of their generosity just to receive praise and recognition.
In my opinion, that is not true kindness.
Real kindness should come with compassion and respect.
I remember hearing a story about a young man who was struggling financially. He desperately needed money to pay his school fees but was too embarrassed to ask for help. One day, an elderly neighbour quietly sent the money through someone else and never mentioned it again.
Years later, the young man discovered who had helped him. He said the reason he never forgot the gesture was because the man protected his dignity.
That story taught me an important lesson.
Everyone goes through difficult seasons. Today, I may be in a position to help someone, but tomorrow I may need help myself. Life has a way of changing our circumstances unexpectedly.
This is why I believe we should always help people without humiliating them.
A person who is struggling is already carrying a heavy burden. They do not need additional pain in the form of embarrassment or public shame.
Sometimes, the best kind of help is the one that is done quietly.
It could be paying someone's fees anonymously, sending food to a family in need, encouraging a friend with kind words, or simply being present for someone who is going through a difficult time.
Helping others should never be about proving that we are better than them. It should be about lifting them up while preserving their self-respect.
Kindness is most beautiful when it is mixed with humility.
As human beings, we all need each other. The world becomes a better place when we extend our hands to others without making them feel small.
If we can help someone and protect their dignity at the same time, then we have truly understood the meaning of compassion.
Thank you for reading.
Have you ever received or witnessed help that was given without humiliation? I would love to hear your thoughts.
