Definition and Context:
The term "obliging" refers to the quality of being helpful, accommodating, and willing to assist others. In a biblical context, obliging behavior is often associated with the virtues of kindness, generosity, and selflessness, which are highly esteemed in Christian teachings. The Bible encourages believers to exhibit an obliging nature as a reflection of God's love and grace.

Biblical Principles:
The concept of being obliging is deeply rooted in the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor. Jesus emphasized this in the Great Commandment, stating, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). This commandment underscores the importance of putting others' needs before one's own and being willing to help without expecting anything in return.

Examples in Scripture:
1. The Good Samaritan: In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the essence of being obliging. The Samaritan goes out of his way to help a wounded man, demonstrating compassion and selflessness. This parable highlights the call to assist those in need, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.

2. Ruth and Naomi: The account of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-4) provides another example of an obliging spirit. Ruth's commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law, showcases her willingness to leave her homeland and support Naomi in a foreign land. Ruth's actions reflect loyalty and a readiness to serve others.

3. The Early Church: The early Christian community exemplified an obliging nature through their communal living and sharing of resources. Acts 2:44-45 describes how believers "were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This practice of mutual support and generosity was a testament to their faith and unity.

Teachings of Jesus and the Apostles:
Jesus taught His followers to be obliging through acts of service and humility. In John 13:14-15 , after washing His disciples' feet, Jesus said, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of servitude underscores the importance of serving others with a willing heart.

The Apostle Paul also encouraged believers to be obliging. In Philippians 2:3-4 , he writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This exhortation calls Christians to prioritize the well-being of others, fostering a community of care and support.

Practical Application:
Being obliging in daily life involves actively seeking opportunities to assist and uplift others. This can manifest in simple acts of kindness, such as offering a listening ear, providing for someone's needs, or volunteering time and resources. Christians are encouraged to cultivate an obliging spirit as a testament to their faith and as a means of glorifying God through their actions.

Conclusion:
The Bible presents obliging behavior as an essential aspect of Christian living, rooted in love, humility, and service. By embodying these qualities, believers reflect the character of Christ and contribute to a compassionate and supportive community.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Oblige.

2. (a.) Putting under obligation; disposed to oblige or do favors; hence, helpful; civil; kind.

6965. qum -- to arise, stand up, stand
... 4), fulfillment (1), get (8), gets (1), go ahead (1), go ahead and confirm (1),
got (2), grown (1), lift (2), make it good (1), obliging* (1), observed (2 ...
/hebrew/6965.htm - 7k

5921. al -- upon, above, over
... 1), inasmuch* (5), instead* (1), leave* (1), length* (1), more than (2), much (1),
named* (1), near (4), next (9), next* (13), now* (1), obliging* (1), off (6 ...
/hebrew/5921.htm - 8k

Letter xvi. Charity.
... kind. "It is benign, bountiful, courteous, and obliging." But why did the
apostle couple these two dispositions together? "Charity ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Life of Mr. John Brown.
... at length he heard and considered, the lords of council ordain the king's supplicant
to be put at liberty, forth of the tolbooth, his first obliging himself to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 11.htm

How Isaac Took Rebeka to Wife.
... not so much as given the man some water? She then offered him water in an
obliging manner. And now he began to hope that his grand ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 16 how isaac took.htm

Conditions Required to Affective Prayer: of which the First Is...
... Because, perhaps, no man can positively say that, hic et nunc, actual prayer is
necessary and obliging under mortal sin, therefore they conclude that, except ...
/.../chapter iv conditions required to.htm

Of Scrupulosities About External Duties, as the Office, Fasting...
... of a religious life lie more heavy on those that are least able to bear them, and
such as will be far from being less careful in obliging observances, less ...
/.../chapter x of scrupulosities about.htm

Calumnies against the Sons of Mariamne. Antipateris Preferred ...
... But as Herod sailed by Cilicia, he touched at Eleusa, [38] where Archclaus treated
them in the most obliging manner, and gave him thanks for the deliverance of ...
/.../chapter 23 calumnies against the.htm

All Internal Livers Obliged to Attend to God's Inspirations. ...
... 8. Imitating unwarily the good practices of others, without a due consideration
of one's own ability or weakness in regard of them.9. Obliging one's self ...
/.../chapter v all internal livers.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... justice, discharging trusts, keeping contracts, and holding good correspondence
mutually) is conscience, or a sense of duty toward God, obliging to perform ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... We wished to be obliging, to appear willing to bear a hand toward that which would
promote our own and our fellows' health and convenience; but as we worked we ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer
... His mission. The neglect of the most obliging and ordinary duties by them
was a noticeable feature in their conduct. So evident ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/v jesus christ the divine.htm

Obliging (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Putting under obligation; disposed to oblige or do favors; hence, helpful;
civil; kind. Multi-Version Concordance Obliging (2 Occurrences). ...
/o/obliging.htm - 7k

Obliterate (1 Occurrence)

/o/obliterate.htm - 7k

Obliged (4 Occurrences)

/o/obliged.htm - 7k

Favour (171 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:9 But Festus, desirous of obliging the Jews, to acquire their favour, answering
Paul, said, Art thou willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be judged ...
/f/favour.htm - 37k

Desirous (31 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:9 But Festus, desirous of obliging the Jews, to acquire their favour, answering
Paul, said, Art thou willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be judged ...
/d/desirous.htm - 15k

Courteous (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) of courtesy; characterized by courtesy; civil; obliging;
well bred; polite; affable; complaisant. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/courteous.htm - 7k

Clever (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness. 4. (a.) Well-shaped; handsome.
5. (a.) Good-natured; obliging. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/clever.htm - 7k

Acquire (18 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:9 But Festus, desirous of obliging the Jews, to acquire their favour, answering
Paul, said, Art thou willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be judged ...
/a/acquire.htm - 11k

Prince (160 Occurrences)
... 1:8). (3) nadhibh: 1 Samuel 2:8: "To make them sit with princes" (compare Psalm
113:8). The original meaning of the term is willing or obliging; then generous ...
/p/prince.htm - 53k

Obliging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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