Radical 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 (NKJV)

David had made a promise to Jonathan that he would honor his family when he became king, and even though he was an enemy of Saul, sought out his family to show kindness. Mephibosheth, who was the grandson of Saul and has been lame since childhood, had all that belonged to his grandfather restored to him by David. He was also invited to eat at Davids table, a symbol of honor, inclusion, and belonging, treating him as a son, not an outcast. The act of David is opposite of those times where it was a common practice to eliminating potential rivals from previous royal families. The radical act of kindness by David created a bond between him and Mephibosheth and turned a foe into a friend.

Davids actions encourage us to reflect on our commitments and the ways we can extend kindness to others, regardless of what they may have done to us or how we feel about them. Romans 12:20 says, “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'” "Heaping burning coals on someone's head" is not about punishment but rather about the transformative power of love and kindness. It emphasizes the biblical principle of responding to evil with good, which can lead to reconciliation and healing, both for the one who shows kindness and the one who receives it. This principle is a core to Jesus' teachings, encouraging us to embody love and forgiveness even towards our adversaries.

Choose to be like David and show radical kindness to your enemies. First, start by praying for them each and every day. When you pray for them, you are asking for His power and wisdom over the situation. Offer your enemy a smile or peaceful gesture, like holding the door open for them. Serve them like you would serve your friends. If they are going through a difficult situation, bring a meal to them or help out with a task. Show them respect and compassion, because your radical act of kindness will turn your enemy into your friend.