by Barbara Latta
Fruit of the Spirit series – Kindness
Read the previous post here
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| Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness |
King David had a covenant with his friend Jonathan. Even
though Jonathan was dead, he still wanted to show kindness to the family of
Jonathan because of love for his friend.
Then David said, “Is there yet anyone left of the house
of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1
NASB).
The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 are
traits we are indwelt with when the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. But
God never changes. Even though David lived under the Old Covenant and was not
filled with the Holy Spirit the way believers are today, God still exhibited Himself
through David because David loved God and followed His commandments.
The kindness of the Holy Spirit shone through David to
extend to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. He found this now grown son of Jonathan
and brought him to live in the king’s palace and eat the king’s food. All
because of kindness.
God extends His kindness toward us…so that in the ages to
come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in
Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).
David’s favor toward Mephibosheth changed the life of
Jonathan’s son. He was living in poverty and fear until the king showed him
kindness. When God shows kindness to us, we are redeemed from the poverty and
fear that sin brings, and we are brought into the King’s palace and we can sit
at the King’s table.
Our Father shows great kindness to us by forgiving us and
giving new life in Christ. When we allow Him to have control, that same
kindness can be flowing out of us toward others.
The fruit of the Spirit can bring the world to the King’s
table.
Feel free to join the conversation and share your thoughts.
