Look for Ways to Show Kindness to Others

Note from today’s Bible reading: Psalm 36; 39; 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18

Before David’s rule could be established over the nation of Israel, he had to survive King Saul’s repeated attempts to kill him. After Saul was dead, his son Ish-bosheth launched a failed attempt to succeed his father. After all of this, it would have been very easy for David to hold a grudge against the household of Saul.

Instead of showing animosity, David sought to show kindness instead. He asked a servant of the house of Saul, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” (2 Samuel 9:3). After learning of Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan, the king invited him to come before him. David then restored to him the land of his grandfather Saul and promised that Mephibosheth would eat at his table regularly (2 Samuel 9:7).

David’s example is a good one for us to follow. While we will encounter by chance people who are in need, it is good when we can actively seek out those who need help, then provide them with an unexpected but needed blessing.

So look for ways to show kindness to others. If we are intentional about it, we can find ways to help those who may be in need and deserving of assistance but would never ask for it. Rather than waiting for random opportunities to do good to others, let us seek to create opportunities as we have the ability to do so.