Releasing Kindness In Return

Releasing Kindness In Return 

II Kings 4:11-13 NKJV

[11] And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there. [12] Then he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite woman.” When he had called her, she stood before him. [13] And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”

Here is an attempt to answer a question on Quora about someone's kindness to another family. " Kindness isn’t about giving a certain thing to “pay” back for a certain thing. Its about helping out and getting involved and appreciating each other. So perhaps you can help them in a way that doesn’t involve money". The writer continues that some people may not " want anything in return". They  just want the people  they are helping to " be safe, have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. Its a case of looking after people". These kind of gestures are being done by many non-governmental institutions today. The Shunamite was not involved in an NGO activity.  She was used as God's compensation for Elisha. So naturally, Elisha felt a compassion for her. These kind of gestures should generate kindness within us.

   Many "Ministers" unfortunately may arrogate a right to their callings. Elisha did not. His questionings revealed the woman had no child. There are things Ministers can do for others too. You cant always be at the receiving end and act as a leech. The Shunamite 's reply showed she had a good heart. Its Gehazi's reply that brought Elisha to prophesy about her having a baby within a year. This is called kindness. They may not be tangibles, but they are God's blessings as well. Stephen Witmer says, "  True kindness is Spirit-produced (Galatians 5:22). It’s a supernaturally generous orientation of our hearts toward other people, even when they don’t deserve it and don’t love us in return. God himself is kind in this way". That is powerful. Invoke heaven to visit those who bless you physically. Don't just say: thank you. Good morning.