Strength of character in kindness

What is desired in a man is steadfast love. (Proverbs 19:22 ESV)

Kindness takes thoughtfulness, effort, and time. It also takes courage. Courage to stand alone on an issue.
Courage to give, especially when one doesn’t have much.
Courage to say no to indifference.
Courage to act according to what one knows is right—especially when the right choice  seems so obvious that “surely someone else with more time and resources will notice and do something about it.”

There is strength of character in kindness—the moral and mental strength to step out, to give, to believe, to persevere, to be true to one’s convictions, even when it means enduring challenges or paying a price. These are the kindnesses that leave a lasting impression. [1]

Iron is strong, but fire melts it. Fire is strong, but water quenches it. Water is strong, but the clouds evaporate it. Clouds are strong, but wind drives them away. The wind is strong, but man withstands it. Man is strong, but fear weakens him. Fear is strong, but wine removes it. Wine is strong, but sleep overcomes it. Sleep is strong, yet death is stronger. But loving kindness survives death. - Rabbi Judah bar Ilai, (second century)

[1] Activated The Courage to Be Kind