Showing the Kindness of God

God's kindness is abundant. He shows kindness to all people, even those who do not deserve it at all. Yes, I know we all have to suffer, too, but even in our suffering God shows His kindness to us in various ways. Also, God's kindness can be tied to His covenant relationship with people. God was very kind to the people of Israel because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They had troubles, because of their sins and rebellion, but God never forsook them. He continued showing His kindness in many ways. David had received the kindness of God, as he was delivered from the wrath of King Saul, and He became the king over all Israel. It was then that David asked his servants to see if there were any of Saul's family left to whom he could show the kindness of God. (II Samuel 9:3,11) They found Ziba, who told the king there was one son of Jonathan left. He was Mephibosheth, and he had been injured in both feet as a child. Therefore, David told Ziba how he would bless Mephibosheth by giving him Saul's property and having servants to work it. However, David still brought Mephibosheth to his table to eat there, just like one of the king's sons. This is a fantastic example for us of God's kindness.

We must not hold grudges against those who harm us. We must be forgiving toward them, and treat them with kindness. That is what Jesus did, and we are to be like our Lord Jesus. In fact, those who mistreat us should be the first people we reach out to. We must not try to harm them. That will not solve anything. If we show them kindness, they could become our friends, instead of giving us grief. Also, we should be especially kind to our friends. Just like David and Jonathan had a close friendship, and they made a lasting covenant with each other, lasting to their future generations. We should do the same. We should not just bless our friends, but their families, too. Isn't that what God did for us, as believers? We were separated from Him by our sins. Then, He saved us when we turned from our sins and trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Now, we are part of His family, and we get to eat at His table, like all the other sons and daughters of the King. Now that is the abundant kindness of God. Let's be quick to spread it around, so people know the character of God through us.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 10-13.