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Love And Kindness
Love and kindness often go hand in hand. When we care about others, we look for ways to help, encourage, and support them. Sometimes that means giving something they need, while other times it may simply mean giving our time, attention, or a helping hand.
J. J. Thorne's poem Love And Kindness reminds us to notice people who are struggling and do what we can to help them. His repeated words, "And help them on their way," give us a simple message to remember. We may not be able to solve every problem, but we can make someone's journey a little easier.
Kindness does not have to be something grand. We can donate food, help a family going through a difficult time, volunteer in our community, pray for someone in need, or simply offer encouragement. What may seem like a small act to us can mean a great deal to the person receiving it.
Our faith also reminds us that love is meant to be shared. When God has blessed us, we have an opportunity to use what we have to bless someone else. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us, faith, hope, and love remain, "but the greatest of these is love."
Thorne's poem encourages us to be cheerful givers and willing helpers. May his words remind us that kindness is one of the simplest ways we can put love into action.
Updated October 7, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Love And Kindness
Poet: J. J. Thorne
This is a lesson we should heed,
Through our Maker to obey;
To oblige the poor in case of need.
And help them on their way.
He is blessed as a cheerful giver.
And his deeds never decay;
That obliges the poor in case of need.
And helps them on their way.
It will fill our hearts with gratitude.
In some future day;
If we oblige the poor in case of need,
And help them on their way.
We plant in our breast the rose of charity,
With blossoms fragrance bright and gay;
When we oblige the poor in case of need.
And help them on their way.
A gift of benevolence secures gratitude.
And leaves our hearts o.k..
When we oblige the poor in case of need.
And help them on their way.
We should be up and doing,
And our moments not delay;
To oblige the poor in case of need.
And help them on their way.
Kindness denotes a benevolent heart.
It shines as a morning rose of May:
When we oblige the poor in case of need;
And help them on their way.
Blessed is the name of charity.
Of many a heart that sleeps in clay;
They obliged the poor in case of need,
And helped them on their way.
A possession of nature's love,
He can truly say,
That obliges the poor in case of need
And helps them on their way.
The Lord loveth a cheerful giver.
And our Savior love obey.
When we oblige the poor in case of need,
And help them on their way.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Kindness Puts Love Into Action
It is easy to say that we care about others, but kindness gives those words meaning. Helping someone in need is one way we can make our love visible.
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We Can Help Someone On Their Way
We may not be able to remove every hardship another person faces. But a helping hand, a thoughtful gift, or a few encouraging words may make their journey a little easier.
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Giving Can Bring Gratitude
Thorne reminds us that there is a blessing in being a cheerful giver. When we give with a willing heart, we may discover that helping someone else also changes something within us.
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Kindness Should Not Be Delayed
Opportunities to help others can appear when we least expect them. Rather than always waiting for another day, we can do the good that is before us today.
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Our Blessings Can Bless Others
What we have been given does not always have to be kept for ourselves. Sharing our time, resources, encouragement, and prayers can bring hope to someone who needs it.
Popular Pages
Read more poems about giving, helping others, and making a positive difference through the way we live each day.
Let kindness continue from one person to another with Pass It On, an inspiring reminder of the difference our actions can make.
Discover how everyday giving can make life better for others in Give Every Day, a reminder that generosity does not have to wait for a special occasion.
Let As I Go On My Way encourage you to notice opportunities to bring kindness and encouragement to the people you meet.
Find more timeless words of wisdom and encouragement in these Famous Poems from poets whose verses continue to inspire.
Conclusion
J. J. Thorne's poem gives us a simple message that is still important today: when someone needs help, do what you can to help them on their way. Kindness does not always require money or a grand gesture. Sometimes our time, encouragement, prayers, or willingness to lend a hand can mean just as much.
Each day gives us opportunities to put love into action. May this poem remind us to notice those opportunities, be thankful for what we have, and willingly share our blessings with others. A little kindness given from the heart can make more of a difference than we may ever know.
More J. J. Thorne Poems to Inspire