Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Just A Closer Walk With Thee"1 (Lyrics)

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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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    A beautiful challenge Karl.


    Thank you for reminding us that we are called to kindness. Blessings.


    Good Morning Karl,
    It was nice to take some quiet time and read the devotional… showing mercy… sometimes easier said than done. Thank you for your reminder.
    (Texas)


    Thank you, Carl, for reminding us that the world would be a much nicer place if everyone did just did one thing to care for someone in need. I like to cook for an elderly friend once a week. She can no longer stand in the kitchen to cook and bake. Again thanks for showing us David’s beautiful example.
    Blessings.


    Thank you Karl for your inspiring devotional. My heart is deeply touched by this scripture which I have read through the years but it comes at a time in my day with special meaning because of the application to a situation in my family.
    Blessings,
    (B.C)


    Hello,
    I am enjoying your devotionals very much. This morning I awoke to ‘Glorify Thy Name in all the Earth” in my mind and reflected on it. Then your writing caused me to reflect more and I ended up singing along with many worship tunes on Youtube! A truly wonderful time with the Lord!
    May God continue to bless you and use your gifts to minister to many.


    Dear Karl Csaszar,
    Thank you for reminding us of David’s kindness. This kindness is like Jesus’ giving himself for all of us human beings–an act of pure grace out of a loving heart.
    Keep writing.


    Thank you for the excellent message!!

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