Context for this week’s devotionals can be found in the story of David and Mephibosheth. You can read the whole account here: 1 Samuel 20, 2 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 9
I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
I recently heard a thought that if we all responded and did what Jesus calls us to do, it wouldn’t be necessary for the governments of this world to provide services to those who are less fortunate.
The love, mercy, and generosity King David demonstrated to Mephibosheth was a selfless act. He not only gave Mephibosheth a seat at his table but he returned to him everything that belonged to Saul. By birthright, Mephibosheth should have been entitled to that. However, Saul’s death and King David’s place on the throne, negated that inheritance.
Money and possessions were worshiped in kingdoms in those days (not unlike today). It would have been a sacrifice for David to hand over possessions and status, especially to someone who could have easily been considered an enemy or lowly person. Not only that, there were political ramifications. Despite that, David knew he answered to a higher power and took seriously what God desired – to show compassion to others.
What would it look like if we gave to others in the way David did? If we looked past the sacrifice, and instead looked at the blessing. Generosity is an act of faith. It is saying: I really do not need that or I am not too busy. It is the desire to build our character to be more like Jesus.
