Giving, being kind to others… perhaps the returns may not come so quickly, but in reality, peace of mind is the greatest reward. Moreover, if one doesn’t expect too much from the external, peace of mind will be experienced in a more complete manner.
What matters is not how others treat us; what matters is how we treat others. It’s not so much that kindness should carry an edge; it’s more about kindness requiring wisdom. Wisdom can employ various skillful means, but it will never subtract from kindness.