Awhile back I had read 2 Samuel 9 before going to bed… big mistake.

I read it once and thought, “wow, that was a lot to take in.”  I read it again and had so many thoughts about the kindness that was expressed throughout the chapter.  Then, I made sure to read it verse by verse very slowly.  It’s a short chapter, maybe 15-25 sentences due to whatever version of the Bible you’re reading.

I reflected on the meaning of a promise: what a promise is, what it means to keep one, what it means to break a promise, and the impact of a promise.  I then thought about how promises can be easily forgotten by one party, both, or ruin a relationship.  I also thought about the seriousness of pinky swears.  Admit it, they were a big deal as a kid!

David opted for an opportunity to do good after he remembered the promise he made to Jonathan.  Remember, it’s better late then never (most cases).  Despite the fact that Saul and David were enemies, David wanted to show kindness to the remaining members of Saul’s house (family).  Unlike previous dynasties, David didn’t seek to kill them. Instead, David looked for Jonathan’s son and invited him to eat at his table.

David shows a kindness to Saul’s family that her refers to as ‘the kindness of God’.  Shouldn’t we all seek to demonstrate this kindness?  Saul was David’s enemy and wanted to destroy David, instead of seeking revenge on Saul’s family he treated them almost like his own.  So, shouldn’t we all stand our ground and just be kind to those who are in a rotten mood or try to damper your mood to reflect theirs?  (I don’t know about you, but I’m around people like that daily).  I imagine that if we want to and try to reflect a kindness like God that we’re just going to excel in relationships and be a people person to the extreme.  Sometimes that’s hard, I know.  Some days I’m better at this and some days I suck at it.

But then I remember:

We have God’s kindness each and every day, no matter how we act or feel.  There’s a God that expresses an unconditional kindness that never fails.

Why is it so hard for us to do the same?  David forgave his enemy who wanted to destroy him and then extended the kindness he did to his family.  Are we truly forgiving our enemies?  And if so, are we truly expressing kindness to them and their family?

Romans 11:5-6 : It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them.  And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Ephesians 4:32 : Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:12 : Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.