The Law of Kindness
Today’s Verse:
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? ~2 Samuel 9:1
David had accomplished much in advancing his kingdom in a few short years. He systematically defeated the surrounding nations that posed a threat to Israel. He brought the ark of God to Jerusalem for the worship of God. He brought unity to the kingdom. He instilled a love for God. Then, he remembered a promise that he had made to his good friend, Jonathan. David inquired if there was anyone left of the house of Saul whom he could show kindness to. That’s a great thought for this morning. Is there someone you can show kindness to?
We see the command.
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12). Paul gave the command on more than one occasion to put on kindnesss, or to be kind one to another. Kindness is not in everyone’s fleshly nature. We live in a time when people are rude, ignore one another, and respond with coarse manners. Putting on kindness is an outflow of a Spirit-filled walk with God and a heart of humility. We can only work up kindness for so long before it is obvious that we are not genuine. Let kindness be the outflow of a close walk with God and a servant’s heart.
We see the character.
The word for kindness in both Hebrew and Greek means “goodness, faithfulness, mercy, and moral integrity.” David models for us biblical kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. First, David acknowledged Mephibosheth as a friend. Friends do each other right. Second, David had a giving spirit towards Mephibosheth. Don’t be someone who is a taker: be a giver. Third, David extended a kingly privilege to him by inviting him to eat at the king’s table continually. Paul said that kindness is being tenderhearted, forgiving one another.
We see the communication.
Solomon said of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 that the law of kindness is in her mouth. Our greatest display of kindness is with our speech. First, be respectful in your speech. Don’t be rude or crude. Second, be commendable in your speech. People remember us for the words of praise and commendation that we say of them. Third, be tactful in your speech. Choose your words carefully. Fourth, don’t forget the basic words of etiquette that are essential to being respected: please, may I, thank you, excuse me, and please forgive me. Speak in a friendly tone.
We see the compassion.
“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared” (Titus 3:4). The greatest exhibit of kindness is God sending Jesus to earth to die for our sins. Even though we deserve to go to Hell for our sins, God, in His kindness, proved His love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He looked past our sin when He took on our sin debt. Kindness is not something we bestow because someone deserves it. It is what we do to demonstrate the love of God at work in us. One of the best ways to be a good witness is to find someone you can show kindness to. Make this something you do today and every day.
Have a kindness-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Nehemiah 12-13