Doing Good to Others
And the king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you. Now whatever you request of me, I will do for you.” - 2 Samuel 19:38
Although Barzillai expected nothing in return for helping the king, David gave his word to take good care of Chimham. Notice, the mutual faithfulness between these two men; it was as if David was saying to his friend: “You have shown goodness towards me; now, for you, I will show my goodness to Chimham.”
It is thought that the king bestowed on Chimham a possession in Bethlehem, where in later times an inn was left standing. Johanan the son of Karean, stayed there and his forces with the captives he had rescued: And they departed and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is near Bethlehem, as they went on their way to Egypt - (Jeremiah 41:11-17).
Just as Barzillai and David acted towards each other is the same way we need to treat each other. Jesus taught us to live our lives by what we now call, ‘The Golden Rule’: And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise (Luke 6:31). It is the correct attitude for our actions towards others. In Galatians 6:10, the Apostle Paul instructs the believers in Christ: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Those that need our love, goodness and acts of kindness the most, are the ones who are most vulnerable, the orphans and the widows. James 1:27 tells us: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
To whom have you shown the goodness of God too recently?
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.
~Hebrews 10:24~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!