From: David Kabanje
Date: January 18, 2022
Subject: GMU: Hate as a Reflector of Character


Kindness and Hate


Beautiful People, 

Love expands the heart. If you are looking to fill your bucket with compassion and kindness, look no further than the story of David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13 NIV). I have learned that one of the best ways to know how close you are to God is by how you treat your enemies. There was bad blood between Saul and David; however, David displayed his true character after Saul's death—a character of grace and kindness. David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake? Follow the conversation between David and Ziba (Saul's servant) closely! 

 

David: "Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?"

Ziba: "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet."

David: "Where is he?"

Ziba: "He is at the house of Makir, son of Ammiel in Lo Debar."

David: "Bring him here." 

 

God's love so enlarged David's heart that he was compelled to show kindness to Saul's house—the same house that desired to kill him multiple times. Notice that David does not say, "Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show my kindness." A character of kindness and generosity towards an enemy is only possible by the indwelling Spirit of God. Our carnal/unspiritual hearts are incapable of loving anyone other than ourselves. If you struggle to love someone who doesn't talk, act, or look like you, here is the good news—you can't, but Jesus can. How? The same way David did it—by pursuing God wholeheartedly and surrendering to His leading. Hate for a brother or sister can not coexist with a sincere love for God. Every one of us has a "Saul" in our lives. How we treat these "Sauls" says more about our character than their behavior. Resolve in your heart to treat your enemies with kindness, kindness that comes from God that means committing yourself in prayer and asking God to replace your hate with God's kindness for each of His children.   

 

We will continue the story of David and Mephibosheth tomorrow! 

Have a great day!