May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ — let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Genesis 24:14
“Since God lacks nothing, generosity is the primary way in which He relates to the world. For the same reason, generosity is the natural hallmark of people who feel closely connected to God. In contrast, the hallmark of evil is selfishness. No matter how much an evil person possesses, he remains unsatisfied, so he seeks only to take and never to give.
Eliezer therefore sought a woman for Isaac who would display kindness. When Rebecca went beyond fulfilling Eliezer’s specific request by offering to also water his camels, he understood that she was a godly person and thus a fitting match for the son of Abraham. By demonstrating kindness to others, we too are “matched” with the most worthy partners – whether soul-mates, friends, business partners, or callings in life.”
Moshe Wisnefsky in “Benevolence” Daily Torah post at chabad.org dated 19 November 2019. Special thanks to Daily Meditations reader Pat Warbington for sharing this with me.
Even as generosity is the way God relates to the world, that should be our reputation as well as followers of Christ. To display kindness not only blesses others but positions us to align with “the most worthy partners.”
Imagine Rebecca saying, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ to Eliezer. That’s a display of kindness. She put his needs ahead of her own. As we enter the holiday season, what might it look like for you to display such kindness to others?
The Institute for Biblical Research meetings start today in San Diego (pictured above from my hotel room). I am eager to listen and learn from many scholars and privileged to be here with Sophie’s fiancé, Peter Gomez. While here I need to be sure to display kindness wherever I go.
Father in heaven, by your Holy Spirit help each of us display kindness and match us with worthy partners. At this conference or wherever Daily Meditations readers sojourn, connect us with others to advance your kingdom. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.