ODJ: the opposite spirit

June 29, 2014 

READ: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 

The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them” (v.3).

A few years ago I worked as a supply teacher in Birmingham, England. I initially embraced the help of the teaching assistant, but when she started taking over in class I was tempted to give in to resentment and insecurity. Instead, I decided to act in a way opposite to what I felt by vocalising my genuine appreciation of her, praying for her and challenging her in love. When it came time for me to leave my position, she gave me a gift and a thank you card. Acting in the opposite spirit had disarmed a teaching assistant who might have felt threatened and unappreciated.

David acted in the opposite spirit towards King Saul who was intent on killing him (1 Samuel 18:10-11, 19:1,9-11). He spared Saul’s life on two occasions (24:4, 26:8), and even after his death, David (who was now king) deliberately looked for anyone from Saul’s family to whom he could show kindness (2 Samuel 9:1). A servant found Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth for the king. The man was crippled in both feet due to an accident that occurred when he was a child (4:4). David promised to take care of him and his family for the rest of his days (9:10).

The Lord loves and rewards us when we reach out with kindness to others who have mistreated us (Proverbs 25:21-22). David is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), and his determination to consistently honour his enemy and the Lord’s anointed (King Saul) gives us a glimpse into the kind of heart God loves.

Just as the kindness of the Lord has helped us turn away from a life of sin (Romans 2:4), our kindness towards those who have wronged us may help turn them to God. —Ruth O’Reilly-Smith
Matthew 5:17-30 ‹365-day plan