Exercised Willingly

The Bible narratives that we have considered also show that loving-kindness is extended freely and willingly, not under compulsion. Bethuel willingly cooperated with Abraham's servant, and so did Rebekah. (Genesis 24:51, 58) Joseph showed his loving-kindness without outside prodding. (Genesis 50:4, 5) Rytg "was persistent about going with [Naomi]." (Ruth:18) When Naomi suggested that Ruth approach Boaz, loving-kindness moved the Moabitess to declare: "All that you say to me I shall do."- Ruth 3:1-5.

The loving-kindness show by Bethuel, Joseph and Ruth is especially significant because Abraham, Jacob and Naomi were in no position to bring outside pressure on them. After all, Bethuel was under no legal obligation to part with his daughter. He could easily have told Abraham's servant: 'No, I want to keep my industrious girl close by.' (Genesis 24:18-20) Likewise, Joseph was free to decide whether to act on his father's request or not, for Jacob would be dead and could not compel him to keep his word. Naomi herself indicated that Ruth was also free to marry one of "the young fellows" instead of Boaz.

Bethuel, Joseph and Ruth Showed loving-kindness willingly; they were moved to do so from within. They felt a moral responsibility to display this quality toward those with whom they had a relationship, even as King David later felt obliged to manifest it with regard to Mephibosheth.

Loving-kindness is still a mark of God's people, including the men who shepherd God's flock. (Psalm 110:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:12) Such elders, or overseer, feel a responsibility to live up to the trust conferred upon them by reason of their appointment. (Acts 20:28) Even so, their shepherding work and other acts of loving-kindness in behalf of the congregation are carried out, "not under commpulsion, but willingly." (1 Peter 5:2) The elders shepherd the flock because they have both a responsibility and a desire to do so. They express loving-kindness toward Christ's sheep because they ought to and want to do this. (John 21:15-17) "I love to make visits at the homes of brothers or call them for no other reason than to show I was thinking of them," says one Christian elder. "Helping the brothers is a great source of joy and satisfaction to me!" Caring elders everywhere wholeheartedly agree.


Show Loving-Kindness To Those In Need