Kindness

“Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake? . . . Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I
may show the [unfailing, unsought, unlimited] mercy and kindness of God?” 2 Samuel 9:1-3 NKJV

After becoming established as king of Israel, David still remembered the debt that he owed to his friend, Jonathan, the son of Saul, Israel’s first king. So he asked Saul’s servant, Ziba, if any relatives of Jonathan might be alive.
This was a potentially dangerous task. Any relative of Saul’s could have claimed the throne. But this did not deter David. He was determined to show kindness to any relative of his friend. When Mephibosheth was identified, he came under David’s protecting care.
But he was not the only person to whom David showed kindness. Shortly after this, “the king of the people of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place.” David immediately expressed his desire to “show kindness to Hanun . . . as his father showed kindness to me”
(2 Samuel 10:1-2).
This expression of kindness demonstrated the condition of David’s heart. It showed that he genuinely was interested in these people. That he was compassionate and concerned.
Paul wrote that we are to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Kindness demonstrates that we have a tender heart, and that we are not absorbed by self-interest but genuinely are motivated by God’s love.
The Bible tells us that God wants us to be kind, and show kindness toward others. There are people all around you who carry burdens, face difficulties, and need a touch from God. You can be His ambassador in their lives. Ask Him to show you how you can be kind to them today.

Prayer: Father, show me the people around me who need a special touch from You, and help me to be kind to them. Give me a heart of compassion and love. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.