The character trait of thoughtfulness is definitely not one that just happens naturally; it must be developed. The more mature the child, the more thoughtful of others he or she should become, especially as the young person grows in Christ. There are certainly many teens and adults who are not very thoughtful, and whenever a child shows true thoughtfulness, it is something special indeed. The teachers in Character Connection strive to both show and teach this trait in their classes and in their everyday lives.
A fine example from history and from the Bible who exemplified thoughtfulness is the great king of Israel, King David. He could have put Mephibosheth to death, since he descended from the man who had treated David cruelly. Instead, he went beyond kindness and showed true thoughtfulness in meeting Mephibosheth’s needs for the rest of his life. King David had no obligation to be kind to a descendant of his enemy, King Saul, but he determined to find a way to show kindness despite the circumstances and inconveniences. When Mephibosheth was brought before King David, he could only assume it would be the end of his life, but King David wanted to show him kindness. Mephibosheth did not really deserve King David’s thoughtfulness, and he could not repay it in any way. King David’s thoughtfulness was extraordinary, in that he let Mephibosheth live, gave him land and servants to till the land and bring him the fruit, and even made Mephibosheth as one of his own sons.
This Bible story and several more are taught in Character Connection to illustrate the trait of thoughtfulness. Thoughtfulness goes beyond mere friendliness and kindness. Thoughtfulness means you are kind to others in special ways that are not always evident at first glance. Thoughtfulness is something that must happen deliberately despite the circumstances and inconveniences.
Even though this may be obvious, thoughtfulness usually takes a lot of thought! However, true thoughtfulness is more than just thought—it’s action. The thoughtful friend offers more than sympathy to those in need. Thoughtfulness is always given for free, and it is never used to earn a position, status, or rewards. As we strive to be thoughtful in our dealings with others, let’s remember the example we set for our children, because even children can learn to be thoughtful.
Memory Verse: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3