Kindness

Early Church Fathers Quotes on Kindness

Clement of Rome 

For who ever dwelt even for a short time among you, and did not find your faith to be as fruitful of virtue as it was firmly established? Who did not admire the sobriety and moderation of your godliness in Christ? Who did not proclaim the magnificence of your habitual hospitality?

Abraham, who was called the ‘friend,’ was found faithful in that he rendered obedience unto the words of God. …For his faith and hospitality a son was given unto him in old age, and by obedience he offered him a sacrifice unto God on one of the mountains which He showed him.

For his hospitality and godliness Lot was saved from Sodom, when all the country round about was judged by fire and brimstone.

For her faith and hospitality Rahab the harlot was saved.

Let us therefore contend, that we may be found in the number of those that patiently await Him, to the end that we may be partakers of His promised gifts. But how shall this be, dearly beloved? …if we accomplish such things as beseem His faultless will, and follow the way of truth, casting off from ourselves all unrighteousness and iniquity, covetousness, strifes, malignities and deceits, whisperings and backbitings, hatred of God, pride and arrogance, vainglory and inhospitality.

Shepherd of Hermas

Hear now what follow upon these; to minister to widows, to visit the orphans and the needy, to ransom the servants of God from their afflictions, to be hospitable (for the practice of hospitality results in doing good).

Clement of Alexandria 

And akin to love is hospitality, being a congenial and devoted to the treatment of strangers. And those are strangers, to whom the things of the world are strange. For we regard as worldly those, who hope in the earth and carnal lusts. “Be not conformed,” says the apostle, “to this world: but be you transformed in the renewal of the mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Hospitality, therefore, is occupied in what is useful for strangers; and guests are strangers and friends are guests; and brethren are friends.

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