There’s a lesson life teaches you quietly, sometimes painfully, and often repeatedly until it finally sinks in: people can get too comfortable with your kindness and forget it’s actually a privilege.
Not a right. Not an entitlement. A privilege.
This is coming from a place of experience, not bitterness.
Someone once randomly waltzed into my life no invitation, no clear intention and I welcomed them anyway. I showed kindness without calculation.
I was patient when I could have walked away. I was understanding when silence would have been easier.
I helped when I didn’t have to. I gave grace freely, because that’s who I am. That’s how I love. That’s how I live.
But here’s the hard truth I had to face: it was one-sided.
While I was pouring, they were consuming.
While I was considering their feelings, they were careless with mine.
While I was showing up, they were simply showing up when it was convenient.
And for a while, I excused it.
I told myself, “Be patient. Be kind. Be Christ-like.”
But kindness without boundaries slowly becomes self-neglect.
Even scripture speaks clearly about this.
The Bible reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Love, too, is not just words but it’s action.
If someone consistently benefits from your presence but never reciprocates respect, effort, or consideration, that’s not love. That’s usage.
And God never calls us to be doormats in the name of love.
There’s also wisdom in Matthew 7:6 about not giving what is holy to those who do not value it. That verse hit me deeply.
Because not everyone deserves access to your heart, your time, or your emotional labor especially if they mishandle it repeatedly.
I’ve learned now that being kind does not mean being endlessly available.
Being patient does not mean tolerating disrespect.
Being understanding does not mean ignoring patterns.
You can have a soft heart and still draw firm lines.
So yes, I know better now.
I still choose kindness but with discernment.
I still show love but with clear boundaries. I still help but not at the cost of my peace.
Because the right people will never make you feel guilty for expecting effort, respect, and mutual care.
If you’re reading this and it feels personal, maybe it’s meant to be.
Protect your heart.
Guard your energy.
And remember: your kindness is valuable.
Treat it that way, and expect others to do the same.
Oh Hi again Bestie…🤗 If you’re just seeing my post for the first time, I’m sending you virtual hugs.
I recently published a book titled BROKEN PIECES OF ME, filled with unfiltered truths about life, which I think would resonate with you. Hope you enjoyed this post?
Your support means the world to me…Click Here.
Thank you for cheering me on, please know that I really sincerely appreciate it🥺🫶🏾
If you are seeing my post for the first time and found it interesting, I am happy to have you join me so please SUBSCRIBE and get notified on my next post.
I would be happy to have you join my community of 250+ subscribers, thanks for your support and engagement. Here’s to more…Cheers 🥂
⚠️ PS: If my services interest you, why not take advantage of [MY SPECIAL OFFER]
