SUNDAY 17 January, 2016
Good Intentions
It happened after this that the king of the people of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” - 2 Samuel 10:1-2
In the reign of Saul, the Ammonite King Nahash had been an enemy to Israel. The only condition to have peace with him was to agree to his cruel demands: to put out all your right eyes (1 Samuel 11:1-2). Yet with David, Nahash had an alliance. When Nahash died, David reached out in respect and kindness. He wanted to return the favor shown to him by Hanun’s father. David had the right heart and attitude. But we will soon see that his good intentions were not well received.
Many times we reach out to people with good intentions but we are not well received. We show them the kindness of the Lord, the motives of our hearts are in the right place but the results are not favorable. Matthew 5:44 tells us:
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
We can be graceful towards others but ultimately their reactions are between them and the Lord. Remember, as Christians, we are always called to do what is right.
... do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord...
~Deuteronomy 6:18~
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