Topic: Be Kind to People Always
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 10-12; Luke 16:1-18
Memory Verse: “Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.” 2 Samuel 10:4 (KJV)
In our Bible reading passage for today, we saw in 2 Samuel 10; how David wanted to show kindness to the son of the immediate past king of Ammon because the father was kind to David (2 Samuel 10:2 ). He therefore sent emissaries to Hanun the son who took over the reign of Ammon. But instead of showing kindness to the servants of David and send them back peacefully, “Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.” 2 Samuel 10:4 (KJV) because his advisers told him David’s servants were spies!
What would kindness to the servants have caused him? He would have made some friends out of the children of Israel rather than making more enemies by treating them so badly! Compare this situation to the way Elisha treated the soldiers that were sent to arrest him by the king of Syria, he asked the king of Israel to feed them and thereafter send them back to their land.( 2 Kings 6:21-23).
Though David actually sent his servants to show kindness to the king, if the king had been kind to them, he would have been rewarded more abundantly by David compared to the great loss of lives and property his misplaced judgement put his people. Even if David had meant it for evil, a show of kindness to his people could have swayed things in the favour of the king.
As children of God we are enjoined to show kindness even to our enemies. Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:19-21 (KJV), “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Be kind to all people you come across even to your perceived enemies, God will reward you based on your action. Every seed of kindness you sow with sincere heart will bring you delightful fruits. Remember that kindness is part of the fruit of the Spirit. It is an attribute that is associated with disciples of Christ. Are you one of them, then be kind to everyone.
Prayer point:
Father, give me the grace to be kind to all people I come across in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero