THE AGGRESSIVENESS OF GOD’S KINDNESS

 

So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

Are you kind? It is commanded of us, as God’s children, to “be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven (us)” (Ephesians 4:32).

But do you possess and exhibit the type of kindness that is aggressive, even to your enemies?

A MODEL

… of kindness is seen in King David. David had made a covenant with King Saul’s son, Jonathan, that they would take care of each other’s descendants. Although Saul had treated David shamefully, hunting him down like a dog, David had waited patiently. In time, God had ended Saul’s reign with his death and David ascended to the throne.

The pure-hearted David had fought all the necessary battles and God had made him victorious on every side. Now his heart remembers his covenant with his friend Jonathan. He could have ignored it, for to bless Saul’s grandchildren could open the door to opposition to the throne. But David ignores these possibilities, for his times were in God’s hands. And his heart was in God’s hands, for he was a “man after God’s own heart.”

AGGRESSIVE KINDNESS

David goes to great lengths to find any of Saul’s relatives, and he discovers Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet. David didn't wait for the opportunity, he looked for someone to be kind to.

This grandson is fearful when brought to David’s presence, but David’s response shows his heart.

David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

Notice the attributes of God’s kindness (which is how David describes this, i.e., not HIS kindness, but GOD’S).

God-given kindness is …

·       AGGRESSIVE. It seeks others out to bless and help them.

·       COURAGEOUS. God’s kindness is willing to do the right thing and not worry about what others think, how they might respond, or the cost to the giver.

·       THOUGHTFUL. David did this “for the sake of (his) father Jonathan.” He remembered his covenant with his friend and fulfilled it.

·       ABUNDANT. He restored all of Saul’s land to his grandson, which was not a needed or expected gesture. This positioned the grandson with provisions for life. God's kindness goes beyond.

·       PERSONAL. He brought Mephibosheth to his own table, treating him like his own son for the rest of his life, the highest honor and grace.

Since this is the kindness, not of man, but “of God” it is a kindness we can have. If we have God’s Spirit indwelling us, this kindness is waiting to be released as we surrender to God daily and let His kindness flow through us like rivers of living water (John 7:37). It is a fruit that the Spirit produces in and through us and is seen in those who are walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:15-22)

The question is not, “Are you kind?” but “Are you filled with the Spirit of God and following Him today?” If you are, aggressive kindness will be the result.