How does a hardened heart soften and acquire mercy and affection, especially when one is unable to feed the poor and caress the orphan’s head?

The hardened heart is softened by persistently remembering Allah, frequently supplicating Him, and asking Him to soften the heart. It is also softened by visiting the sick, witnessing those on their deathbeds, following funeral processions, constantly contemplating the Hereafter, reading the biographies of the righteous whose hearts were tender, striving to emulate them, and befriending the virtuous. Reliance on Allah is the mainstay, for indeed, hearts are between two of His fingers, and He turns them as He wills.