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Mother Teresa's Example of Serving Others with Kindness

The Christian tradition emphasizes serving others with kindness, drawing from biblical examples and teachings that highlight compassion, humility, and practical care for those in need. This ethos is exemplified by figures like Mother Teresa, whose life was dedicated to serving the poor and sick, reflecting principles found throughout scripture.

Kindness in service is often linked to the concept of mercy, which is enjoined upon believers and characterized by saints [9]. Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example of mercy, and believers are encouraged to follow his lead [9]. This includes showing mercy with cheerfulness, especially to those in distress, the poor, and even enemies [9]. The New Testament further illustrates this through specific actions. For instance, Romans 12:13 calls believers to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality" [4]. Hospitality, in particular, is commanded and considered a test of Christian character, especially when extended to strangers, the poor, and even enemies [6]. Abraham and Lot are cited as biblical examples of those who "lodged strangers," entertaining "angels unawares" [12].

The apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently models and encourages this kind of service. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, he describes his own conduct among the Thessalonians as gentle, "like a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children" [3, 5]. This gentleness and tenderness are presented as qualities that greatly recommend religion and align with God's gracious dealings with sinners [13]. Paul's approach was one of condescension to all people, accommodating himself to their capacities, though he avoided flattery [13].

Liberality, or generosity, is another key aspect of serving others with kindness. It is described as pleasing to God and something God never forgets [7]. Christ is again the example, as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:9, and liberality is a characteristic of saints [7]. This generosity should be exercised in the service of God, toward fellow saints, servants, the poor, strangers, and even enemies, extending to all people [7]. It includes giving alms and relieving the destitute [7]. Acts of love, such as giving gifts to the poor, are seen as revealing internal righteousness [16].

Humility is also essential for serving God and others [10]. Christ's example of humility is highlighted in passages like Matthew 11:29 and Philippians 2:5-8, where he took on the form of a servant [10]. Those who are humble are regarded, heard, and delivered by God, and they enjoy His presence [10]. Humility leads to exaltation and receives more grace [10]. This virtue is necessary for the service of God [10].

The practical outworking of these principles is detailed in 1 Timothy 5:10, which describes the characteristics of a widow approved for service within the early church. Such a woman should be "well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work" [1]. John Gill interprets "bringing up children" to mean raising them "well," in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord," training them in paths of religion and virtue [12]. "Lodging strangers" refers to hospitality, as exemplified by Abraham and Lot [12]. "Washing the feet of the saints" is a humble act of service, recalling Jesus's own example in John 13:1-17 [15, 17]. This passage in 1 Timothy 5:10 serves as a "test of Christian character" [6].

Sincerity is another quality that should characterize Christian service. Christ was an example of sincerity, as were ministers [8]. Sincerity should mark love for God and Christ, service to God, faith, and love for one another [8]. It should also characterize one's whole conduct and the preaching of the gospel [8].

The impact of such kindness can be profound. A simple act of Christian kindness can lead a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people [14]. This demonstrates the transformative power of serving others with genuine compassion and love. The generosity of individuals, even in challenging circumstances, is also noted in historical accounts, such as the woman who showed compassion to King Saul despite his previous actions against her art [11].

The biblical emphasis on thanksgiving is also relevant to the spirit of service. Christ set an example of thanksgiving, and believers are commanded to offer thanks to God through Christ in everything [2]. This attitude of gratitude can fuel a joyful and willing spirit of service.

Sources

  1. I Timothy “I Timothy 5:10 (BSB) — and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Thanksgiving — Christ set an example of -- Mt 11:25; 26:27; Joh 6:11; 11:41. The heavenly host engaged in -- Re 4:9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17. Commanded -- Ps 50:14; Php 4:6. Is a good thing -- Ps 92:1. Should be offered To God. -- Ps 50:14. To Christ. -- 1Ti 1:12. Through Christ. -- Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15. In the name of Christ. -- Eph 5:20. In behalf of ministers. -- 2Co 1:11. In private worship. -- Da 6:10. In public worship. -- Ps 35:18. In everything. -- 1Th 5:18. Upon the completion of great undertakings. -- Ne 12:31,40. Before taking food. -- Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35.”
  3. 1 Thessalonians “1 Thessalonians 2:7 (NASB) — But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.”
  4. Romans “Romans 12:13 (BSB) — Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
  5. I Thessalonians “I Thessalonians 2:7 (BSB) — On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  9. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Mercy — After the example of God -- Lu 6:36. Enjoined -- 2Ki 6:21-23; Ho 12:6; Ro 12:20,21; Col 3:12. To be engraved on the heart -- Pr 3:3. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 37:26; Isa 57:1. Should be shown With cheerfulness. -- Ro 12:8. To our brethren. -- Zec 7:9. to those that are in distress. -- Lu 10:37. To the poor. -- Pr 14:31; Da 4:27. To backsliders. -- Lu 15:18-20; 2Co 2:6-8. To animals. -- Pr 12:10. Upholds the throne of kings -- Pr 20:28. Beneficial to those who exercise -- Pr 11:17. Blessedness of showing -- Pr 14:21; Mt 5:7. Hypocrites devoid of -- Mt 23:”
  10. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  11. Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 14, section 4: servants and himself. So Saul came to the camp while it was yet night. 4. Now it is but just to recommend the generosity of this woman, 28 because when the king had forbidden her to use that art whence her circumstances were bettered and improved, and when she had never seen the king before, she still did not remember to his disadvantage that he had condemned her sort of learning, and did not refuse him as a stranger, and one that she had had no acquaintance with; but she had compassion upon him, and comforted him, and exhorted ”
  12. 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 5:10: Well reported of for good works,.... Both by the members of the church, and by them that were without: particularly if she have brought up children; that is, "well", as the Arabic version adds; in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; commanding them, as Abraham did, to keep the way of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment; training them up in the paths of religion and virtue, from which they will not so easily depart when grown up. If she have lodged strangers; as Abraham and Lot did, who entertained angels unawares: this may be understood of strangers in”
  13. 1 Thessalonians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Thessalonians 2:7: In these words the apostle reminds the Thessalonians of the manner of his conversation among them. And, I. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: We were gentle among you, Th1 2:7. He showed great mildness and tenderness who might have acted with the authority of an apostle of Christ. Such behaviour greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. This great apostle, though he abhorred and avoided flattery, was most condescending to all men. He accommodated himself to all men's capacit”
  14. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:20: 12:20-21 A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.”
  15. 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 5:10: 5:10 and served other believers humbly: Cp. Gen 18:4; Luke 7:44; John 13:1-17.”
  16. Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 11:41: 11:41 by giving gifts to the poor: Acts of love reveal internal righteousness.”
  17. John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 13:15: For I have given you an example,.... Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performances and mediatorial work, but in the exercise of grace, of meekness, humility, love, patience, and the like; and in the discharge of duty, in submission to ordinances, and in attending on them; and in the several duties, both to them that are without, and to them that are within; and also in his sufferings and death; not that he died merely as an example, but likewise in the room and stead of his people; but here he is spoken of, as an example, in a p”
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