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) Ruth "was persistent about going with [Naomi]." (Ruth 1:18) 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 shown 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 compel him to keep his word. Naomi herself indicated that Ruth was free to stay in Moab. (Ruth 1:8) Ruth was also free to marry one of "the young fellows" instead of aged 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 obligated 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; 1Thessalonians 5:12) Such elders, or overseers, 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 compulsion, 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.

Next time: Show Loving-Kindness To Those In Need

Watchtower, 2002

Expressed By Actions

Did you notice how Bethuel, Joseph and Ruth expressed their loving-kindness? They did so not only with kind words but with specific actions. Not only did Bethuel say, "Here is Rebekah" but he actually "sent off Rebekah." (Genesis 24:51, 59) Not only did Joseph say, "I myself shall do in keeping with your word" but he and his brothers did for Jacob "exactly as he had commanded them." (Genesis 47:30; 50:12, 13) Not only did Ruth say, "Where you go I shall go" but she left her people and accompanied Naomi, so that "they both continued on their way until they came to Bethlehem." (Ruth 1:16, 19) In Judah, Ruth again acted "accordingly to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her." (Ruth 3:6) Yes, Ruth's loving-kindness, like that of others, was expressed by actions.

It is heartwarming to see how God's servants today continue to express loving-kindness by actions. For example, think of those who provide enduring emotional support to infirm, depressed or grief-stricken fellow believers. (Proverbs 12:25) Or consider the many Witnesses of Jehovah who faithfully drive the elderly to the Kingdom Hall to attend weekly congregation meetings. Anna aged 82 and plagued by arthritis, speaks for many others when she says: "Being driven to all meetings is a blessing from Jehovah. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for giving me such loving brothers and sisters." Are you sharing in such acts in your congregation? (1John 3:17, 18) if you are, be assured that your loving-kindness is deeply appreciated.

Next time: Exercised Willingly

Watchtower, 2002