2 Samuel 10:2 “Then David said, ‘I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.’”

No one really knows the story behind Nahash’s kindness to David.  Scripture does not tell us.  We do know that Nahash was Saul’s enemy, so many speculate he was kind to David since “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”, or so they say.

Regardless of the reason the kindness was shown, David feels obligated to repay the kindness toward Nahash’s son, but the son rejects it and even “spits in the face” of David by humiliating David’s servants he had sent.  Not cool!  There are lessons to be learned here.

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children need to learn two things from this lesson.  First, they should repay kindness shown.  When someone blesses them, they should find a way to repay that.  It’s just the right thing to do.  A thank you card is appropriate or some other way to show their gratitude.

Secondly, don’t spurn a kindness shown from anyone, even from someone you “think” is your enemy.  You don’t know their motive.  Perhaps the Lord is working on them.  This act of kindness may be of the Lord.  As believers, we need to accept this act as Christ would.  Now, don’t be gullible, but be loving.

Is there someone to whom you need to show a kindness?  Who has blessed you lately and you failed to thank them?  Our children are watching how we respond to others.  What better way to teach them these lessons from David than for them to see us do the same.

Now, if the other person turns your kindness away don’t put together an army and attack them.  Lol.  Let’s leave that to David.  The Lord knows your motive.  He will defend you.  Trust Him to do that.  You just need to be obedient to follow the Lord’s direction toward others.

Father, help me to be a blessing to someone today.  I truly thank you for others You put in my life to bless me.