"Acts 3:1-26
Give and receive kindness
God has an endless supply of kindness. David speaks of ‘God’s kindness’ (9:3). The apostle Paul speaks of the ‘riches of his kindness’ (Romans 2:4). When you show kindness, it is a way of expressing God’s kindness to you.
David asks, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ (2 Samuel 9:1). He then asks Ziba, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the unfailing, unsought, unlimited mercy and kindness of God?’ (v.3, AMP).
Mephibosheth was only five years old at the time of his father’s death (4:4) and now had a young son (9:12). David had been reigning in Jerusalem for at least seven years and Mephibosheth was probably about twenty years of age. The kindness that David shows Mephibosheth is like the kindness of God to us – unfailing, unsought and unlimited.
As in our New Testament passage, it is someone who is crippled (9:4) to whom kindness is shown. David says to Mephibosheth, ‘Don’t be afraid … for I will surely show you kindness … I will restore to you all the land … and you will always eat at my table’ (v.7).
Then, David looks for further opportunities to show kindness. ‘I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me’ (10:2). Sadly, as sometimes happens, this kindness was misunderstood (v.3f.). However, this should not put us off. It is natural and right to want to show kindness to the children whose parents have been particularly kind to us.
Mephibosheth said, ‘Who am I that you pay attention to a stray dog like me?’ (v.8, MSG). He had a poor self-image. Like many of us, he was focused on his imperfections. But God blesses us in spite of our imperfections. He wants us to know and experience his unlimited kindness. Don’t focus on what is wrong – your sins, faults, weaknesses and failures. In Christ, God has given you his righteousness and wants to pour out on you the riches of his kindness to us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).
Lord, thank you for the riches of your kindness to me. Help me to always be on the lookout for opportunities to show kindness to those in need."
1. Thank You for loving me as I am, thank You for designing me like this. You know best.
2. Getting ready in less than 20 minutes was a feat. That was simply because of lack of sleep. Thank You for mis/adventures, everything was fun!
3. Thank You for this trip that gathered us once again. Thank You for the time You have given us to bond, chitchat, play, eat, tour, and make fun of each other. Hallelujah for treasured memories.
