August 15, 2010
Bible Studies for Life Sunday School Lesson
Demonstrate kindness
Melissa Riley, youth minister, Baring Cross Church of Sherwood
The history between the families of King Saul and David is quite complicated. Despite Saul’s animosity toward David, David still chose to love Saul’s son, Jonathan, as a dear friend. Saul did not reciprocate the love David showed for Saul’s household. His bitterness grew and caused him to seek to harm David. David’s character was shown as he showed mercy to Saul and his family on several occasions.
After David took the throne, he sought a member of Saul’s family to honor out of respect for Jonathan. This gesture was unprompted. David chose to do so out of a genuine desire.
David’s gesture also came without pretense. The candidate from Saul’s family whom he honored was Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who was crippled. Mephibosheth had nothing that he could offer in return. There was no way he would have been capable of returning any favors. David’s offer came without strings attached.
David’s gesture, though unwarranted, was probably not a huge sacrifice personally. David restored to Mephibosheth the land of Saul’s family and granted him a place at the king’s table. While this is quite a grand gesture, David still ruled the entire kingdom and wanted for nothing. However, David’s gift radically changed Mephibosheth’s standard of living.
This story is a picture of true kindness. The example set by David shows us how to act out of love, even to honor those who have wronged us. The kindness we show others should be the natural overflow of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. As we show love to others, we should also not expect anything in return. Luke 14:12-14 admonishes us to give to those who cannot repay us so our reward will be found in heaven rather than in the favor of friends. We do not have the authority to place conditions on our gifts. We have been forgiven of more through the saving work of Christ than we can ever repay. The sacrifice of Jesus should put our small gestures into perspective. The change Christ has made in our lives should profoundly impact the way we live out our faith in unmerited acts of kindness toward others. Through these gestures we are given the opportunity to impact lives for the sake of the gospel. The gifts we offer may pale in comparison to the kindness David lavished on Mephibosheth. However, our kindness has the potential to lead others to the greatest treasure they will ever find in a right relationship with God.