At work I received an unexpected package in the mail from one of our vendors with whom we had placed a pretty significant order. I specifically chose them for this order because they offer great, reliable service. There was a handwritten thank you note addressed personally to me. The small package contained chocolates and a $50 Amazon gift card! This was totally unexpected and greatly appreciated. They showed unexpected kindness. Needless to say, it lifted my day but not as you may assume. Who wouldn’t want a $50 gift card but what impressed me the most was God’s reminder that over the years, I have regularly asked His blessings for our vendors and asked the Lord to help us find favor with them. This unexpected kindness reminded me that God hears my prayers and takes them personal.
In my morning quiet times I’ve been reading through the book of 2 Samuel. King David specifically sought out someone from Saul’s family to show kindness.
Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)
The word David used for “kindness” comes from the Hebrew word chesed.
Strong’s #2617: Kindness, mercy, loving kindness; unfailing love; tenderness, faithfulness.₁
Chesed bears the connotation of a loyal love which manifests itself not in emotions but in actions. Chesed was reciprocal and expected, a deed performed in return for a previous loyalty. One who experiences the chesed of another is to reciprocate when the opportunity presents itself. Each sought to meet the other’s need.₂
David’s kindness was motivated by his loyal love for Jonathan. It was reciprocal and clearly unexpected by Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son.
Are you overwhelmed with the Lord’s kindness? Who can you specifically seek out to show kindness for the Lord’s sake?
Copyright ©2013, Gloria Stucky
₁ Word Wealth from in Spirit Filled Life Bible pg. 1326
₂ Holman Bible Dictionary pg. 841