What are the results of our thoughtfulness?

1 Corinthians 12:24-26God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

Thoughtfulness leads to our caring for others and a growing harmony and empathy in the community of believers.

Matthew 25:36“‘I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’”

James 2:15-16Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

Thoughtfulness leads us to meet the real needs of others.

Ruth 2:10-11Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers.”

2 Corinthians 7:14-16I had told him how proud I was of you—and you didn’t disappoint me. I have always told you the truth, and now my boasting to Titus has also proved true! Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect. I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.

Philippians 4:5Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Others notice thoughtfulness. Our thoughtfulness inspires others to respond to us with thoughtfulness.

Proverbs 11:17Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

Matthew 10:42“If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Matthew 25:37-40“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”

Luke 6:38“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Luke 14:12-14He [Jesus] turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”

God considers kindness and thoughtfulness to be of great value in his Kingdom. Such actions will not go unnoticed by him and will be rewarded, whether in this life or the next.