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. KINDNESS. "Then put on the garments that suit God's chosen people, His own, His beloved: compassion, kindness, (1) humility, gentleness, patience." (Col 3:12 NEB). "Give the cheerful service of those who serve the Lord, not men. For you know that whatever good each man may do, slave or free, will be repaid him by the Lord." (Eph 6:7,8 NEB). "Happy the man who has a concern for the helpless! The Lord will save him in time of trouble." (Psalms 41:1 NEB). "I showed you that it is our duty to help the weak in this way, by hard work, and that we should keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, "Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving."" (Acts 20:35 NEB). "Whatever gift each of you may have received, use it in service to one another, like good stewards dispensing the grace of God in its varied forms." (1 Peter 4:10 NEB). "…the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered." (From Prov 11:25). "To sum up: be one in thought and feeling, all of you; be full of brotherly affection, kindly and humble-minded. Do not repay wrong with wrong, or abuse with abuse; on the contrary, retaliate with blessing, for a blessing is the inheritance to which you yourselves have been called." (1 Peter 3:8,9 NEB). "In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God's kindness expressed in various ways." (1 Peter 4:10).
"Remember: sparse sowing, sparse reaping;
sow bountifully, and you will reap bountifully. Each person should give as he
has decided for himself; there should be no reluctance, no sense of compulsion;
God loves a cheerful giver. And it is in God's
power to provide you richly with every good gift; thus you will have ample means
in yourselves to meet each and every situation, with enough and to spare for
every good cause. Scripture says of such a man: 'He has lavished
his gifts on the needy, his benevolence (2)
stands fast for ever.'
Now He who provides seed for sowing and bread for food will provide the seed for
you to sow; He will multiply it and swell the
harvest of your benevolence, and you will always be rich enough to be generous.
Through our action such generosity will issue in thanksgiving to God, for as a
piece of willing service this is not only a contribution towards the needs of
God's people; more than that, it overflows in a flood of thanksgiving to God.
For through the proof which this affords, many will give honour to God when they
see how humbly you obey him and how faithfully you confess the gospel of Christ;
and will thank him for your liberal contribution to
their need and to the general good. And as they join in prayer on
your behalf, their hearts will go out to you because of the richness of the
grace which God has imparted to you. Thanks be to God for his gift beyond
words!" (2 Cor 9:6
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