Kindness
Sunday 2nd September 2018
'I will surely show you kindness.' 2 Samuel 9:7 NIV
In Bible times, when a new king ascended to the throne, he usually killed or banished every member of the old king's family. When King Saul and his son Jonathan died in battle, David became king. Jonathan had one remaining son called Mephibosheth. David called him to the palace, saying, 'I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table' (2 Samuel 9:7 NIV). David showed great kindness to someone who the culture of the day demanded he kill or banish. And, to suddenly meet the king, and eat at his table, must have been a life-changing experience for Mephibosheth.
Kindness can be life-changing, even the smallest act of kindness like an encouraging word. The Bible says: 'Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up' (Proverbs 12:25 NIV). As followers of Jesus, being kind should be a natural part of our lives.
But we're called to go beyond small acts of kindness, even greater than David showed to Mephibosheth. We can invite people to sit at the table of the King of Kings. By sharing the news about Jesus, we're offering people the chance to come into his presence and experience the greatest life-changing moment of all.
So what now? Do you know someone who needs an invitation to Jesus' table? Why not extend that invitation today?
Sunday 2nd September 2018
'I will surely show you kindness.' 2 Samuel 9:7 NIV
In Bible times, when a new king ascended to the throne, he usually killed or banished every member of the old king's family. When King Saul and his son Jonathan died in battle, David became king. Jonathan had one remaining son called Mephibosheth. David called him to the palace, saying, 'I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table' (2 Samuel 9:7 NIV). David showed great kindness to someone who the culture of the day demanded he kill or banish. And, to suddenly meet the king, and eat at his table, must have been a life-changing experience for Mephibosheth.
Kindness can be life-changing, even the smallest act of kindness like an encouraging word. The Bible says: 'Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up' (Proverbs 12:25 NIV). As followers of Jesus, being kind should be a natural part of our lives.
But we're called to go beyond small acts of kindness, even greater than David showed to Mephibosheth. We can invite people to sit at the table of the King of Kings. By sharing the news about Jesus, we're offering people the chance to come into his presence and experience the greatest life-changing moment of all.
So what now? Do you know someone who needs an invitation to Jesus' table? Why not extend that invitation today?
