Having a quiet time each day or making time for a devotional moment has so many intrinsic blessings.

In one of my recent prayer times, I was reading an Old Testament passage about King David's conquests. During his time of stabilizing the nation after the turmoil of Saul's kingship, David decided to do a random act of kindness, or, if you will, a simple gesture of "servant love".

Do you know the story of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson? You can read the story in 2 Samuel 9:1-13. It tells of David wanting to bless the family of his deceased friend Jonathan.

The pivotal act of the new king of Israel is captured in these words:

2 Samuel 9:7 – So David said to [Mephibosheth], "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." (NKJV)

What amazing kindness he showed to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's lame son! David, whom God calls "a man after His own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14 NKJV) is showing loyalty, mercy, and kindness to his deceased friend's son.

This makes me think of Jesus' and His Sermon on the Mount where our Saviour presented the Beatitudes to His disciples and other listening ears. These "beautiful attitudes" each contain a declaration and a concomitant promise.

In light of King David's actions, let us note the fifth Beatitude. It reads, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7 NKJV)

In both the Old and New Testaments, we see God's heart desire to show mercy and kindness. Jesus would well know the passages in Scripture that would echo His Beatitude on mercy (i.e. God's kindnesses).

Can you think of ways to act in mercy (think "kindness") towards someone as an expression of your love and loyalty today? As you do so, you may well be a person after God's own heart!

Try this prayer: As this day dawns, dear Lord, guide my steps and actions so that I may express Your love, mercy, kindness, and grace to someone in the course of my day. This I pray, in the name of Your Son Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

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About the author:

Karl Csaszar <csaszar1@nb.sympatico.ca>
New Maryland, New Brunswick, Canada
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