1 Samuel 20:14 But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord ’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed…
Today’s verse is an amazing request of trust and acceptance for God’s will. In it we see Jonathan, the son of King Saul, the next heir to the throne, asking David for grace and kindness to be extended to him and his family when David takes the throne. He accepted the fact that David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel as the next king of Israel. He could have fought for his rightful place as heir, but instead he humbly accepted that David would be the next king, not himself.
Jonathan asked David to show him “unfailing kindness like the Lord ’s kindness,” using the Hebrew word ḥesed to describe a deep, loyal, and steadfast love rooted in a covenant. This covenant is the same as the one God had with Israel. He asked for this kindness because historically, when a new king took control they would kill potential rivals, including the family of the previous king, to ensure there were no threats to their throne.
It is interesting that Jonathan presents this request to David since just prior to it, David had asked almost the same of him. At this point in the story, David was running for his life. King Saul was determined to kill him and he was having to flee from him and hide. So he presented the same request to Jonathan, that he would show him kindness like the Lord’s.
We see an amazing friendship in these two men. They were close and shared a brotherly love that is inspiring. Their friendship serves as an example of how we should treat others. We should love others the way these friends loved one another and extended kindness to each other.
Who can you extend kindness to today? Our kindness should be a testimony to the world that we are different and we care for others the way Christ cares for us. Extend kindness and grace to those around you today and every day and let His name be praised through our efforts.
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