Think on the various conversations Jesus participated in as recorded in the various Gospels.
The rich young man, Nicodemus, the Syrian/Phoenician woman with a sick daughter, the Samaritan woman at the well. And more.
He was strong, but kind, with the rich young man who was a perfectionist regarding keeping the laws of the religion. But Jesus saw his heart. He pointed out to the man where he needed to grow.
Nicodemus, a religious leader, came with questions. Jesus answered directly, but also by giving him something to think about.
I love the way he bantered with the Syrian/Phoenician woman before telling her of healing.
The Samaritan woman, opposite of the rich young man who thought he did everything right, went to the well for water when the other women would be gone so as not to face them. Jesus did not pat her on the back (metaphorically) and tell her things could be worse. He saw also the condition of her heart, confronting her with how to grow becoming healthy.
Being polite is withholding feedback in order to make someone feel good today. Being kind is being candid about how they can get better tomorrow.
Let us ponder on how to be candid, yet kind, like Jesus.
Faith Venture 
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