And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
“How beautiful is that kindness which is always thoughtful, considerate, and anticipatory; which busies itself with contributing to the good of others, which thinks beforehand what their wants are to be, and how they may be met most pleasantly and efficiently; which thus sows the seeds of happiness and progress along the commonest waysides of life, and sheds an influence of refreshment and peace on all the circle.”
Julia L. Dumont (1794-1857) in Day’s Collacon, compiled and arranged by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 475. It’s been snowing where we live. This is a shot of our townhouse with a blanket of snow (pictured above).
Kindness positions us to bless others wherever we go. Dumont illustrates this blessing with graphic images and words. It appears as “thoughtful, considerate, and anticipatory.”
The thoughtful aspect thinks of the needs of others. The considerate part acts on their behalf. And, as for the anticipatory element, it knows just when and how to minister to others best.
We appear as sowers, diligently sowing to multiply blessings. By the way, if you do not have my book, The Sower: Redefining the Ministry of Raising Kingdom Resources, reply and I will email you a free PDF copy.
Lord, make our generosity “thoughtful, considerate, and anticipatory” so that its timing is right, its impact precise, and so that our sowing influences others for you. Do this we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.