“It happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder” (Genesis 24:15).
What’s the friendliest city on earth? Some surveys rank Auckland, New Zealand, as the world’s most welcoming city. This gorgeous metropolis on the water has clean air, fresh food, and friendly people with a good sense of humour. But the classy city of Melbourne, Australia, ranks right up there with its abundance of parks, fabulous hotels, delicious food, and people often described as “a friendly bunch.”
In a World Economic Forum survey on the friendliest countries, Switzerland came in first place, followed by Germany, Austria, and Spain. New Zealand is very friendly toward foreigners. Tourists will also find a warm welcome in the Cayman Islands, which ranks high for “making friends” and “feeling welcome.”
Of course, everyone has an opinion about how to be treated in a friendly way, including Abraham’s highest-ranking servant, Eliezer. When he travelled to a foreign country to find a wife for his master’s son, Isaac, he prayed that God would send one of the friendliest women in the village to offer him a drink of water and also agree to water his camels. At that moment he noticed Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, coming to draw water.
When Rebekah came up from the well with a pitcher of water on her shoulder, Eliezer asked for a drink. She immediately offered him some water and quickly said that she would draw water for his camels. Eliezer’s answer to prayer couldn’t have been more striking. The kindly disposition of this young woman was completely voluntary and showed her genuine desire to help someone in need.
Rebekah’s act of kindness changed the course of her life. Her naturally unselfish character led her to not only become the wife of Isaac, but a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ. A friendly spirit impacts lives more than you’ll ever know.
Father in heaven, plant within my heart a genuine spirit of kindness toward everyone I meet today.
For Further Study: Gen. 24:10–28; Proverbs 31:26; Ephesians 4:32