A devotional inspired by Rebecca’s “kindness that runs”
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Picture the scene at the well.
A dusty traveler asks for “a little water.” Rebecca doesn’t just hand him a drink and move on. She runs—twice—back and forth under the desert sun, drawing enough water for ten thirsty camels. No applause. No audience. Just sweat, courtesy, and a heart that chooses to give more than anyone would expect.
That’s not random niceness. That is kindness with a backbone.
Eliezer had prayed for exactly this kind of woman. Not someone impressed by status. Not someone moved by gifts or titles. He hides his wealth. He arrives as a stranger. He designs a test that only a woman with true inner strength will pass:
Will she choose generous, costly kindness when no one is watching?
Rebecca does. And her “yes” at the well becomes a pattern for her life.
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She runs for the camels.
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She speaks with respect to a stranger.
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She decides quickly and courageously: “I will go.”
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Later, she acts again to guard the covenant and the blessing of Israel’s future.
Her kindness is not weak. It is fierce, loyal, and willing to pay a price.
In a culture that often treats kindness as softness, Rebecca reminds us: real kindness is costly. Real kindness takes effort. Real kindness sometimes risks misunderstanding. And yet, in God’s story, it is this kind of loving action that moves His purposes forward.
As modern-day Esthers, we are called to that same kind of love-in-action.
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To notice the “stranger at the well” in our own lives—the lonely neighbor, the widow in our congregation, the friend who seems “fine” but isn’t.
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To serve when it is not convenient.
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To say, “I will go,” when the Lord nudges us toward a hard conversation, a generous gift, or a step of obedience that stretches us.
You may feel like your kindness doesn’t matter. Another meal delivered. Another prayer whispered. Another check written. Another message of encouragement sent. But Scripture tells us otherwise: do not grow weary in doing good. God sees every unseen trip back to the well.
Today’s Questions
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Where is God inviting you to “run the extra mile” for someone right now?
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Is there a place where you’ve grown weary in doing good—and need His strength to keep going?
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How might your small, faithful acts of kindness today bless generations you will never meet?
Today’s Prayer
Lord,
thank You for the example of Rebecca’s strong, determined kindness.
Forgive me for the times I have chosen convenience over compassion.
Fill me with Your love and courage so I do not grow weary in doing what is right.
Show me today who needs a sip of water, a listening ear, or a bold act of care.
Make me faithful in the small things, and use my everyday kindness to bless Your people and honor Your purposes.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
