Mephibosheth, in II Samuel, was a cripple and discarded from the attention and favor of many others because of his uselessness. He, nevertheless, was the son of one whom David loved and respected. David extended kindness to him for Jonathan’s sake. The cripple received an inheritance and admittance into the household of the King and the privilege of eating at the King’s table! His acceptance was not based on his condition but rather his relation to one loved by David. “And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” – II Samuel 9:7
We are saved for Jesus’ sake! He and His provision alone, enable God to be just and the Justifier of the believing sinner. We are represented in and through His mediation at the Father’s right hand. God’s love is shed abroad in our hearts and we have the ability to render true love, kindness, and deep care for others. There are some of God’s people who are slow to learn the lesson of simply being kind to others. It appears that we tend to love, like, or just tolerate others! Some are” grandfathered” into the “just tolerate” category because of status or social relation. The Christian should automatically be kind because we have had a “spiritual workover” and become a new creation in Christ, when saved. Yes, it is true that we have to grow in grace and God certainly has to apply His “potter hands” to these fleshly pieces of clay!
I have observed down through the years that many Christians rarely consider the fact that the attitude of kindness and Christian love exemplifies true Christianity probably as much as anything! Many make the mistake of thinking that Christianity is only defined by contending for the faith and opposing sin. Some insist on being known only by what they are against and fail to show others what they are for!
May Christ be seen in us as we not only take our stands but also as we display genuine kindness and love to others. The “11th Commandment” should not be ignored! It addresses the highest level of Christian feeling. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” – John 13:34
Chuck Peters – 9/22/2022
Leave a Reply