March 14

2 Samuel 9-10

Two thoughts from today’s readings – one from each chapter:

1. Amazing loyalty and incredible kindness
David remained true to his friendship with Jonathan even after Jonathan’s death, and he showed kindness to someone who described himself as a “dead dog”.

Are you a true friend?
Do you look for people to show kindness to?
Could you risk your image by showing kindness to a “dead dog”?
At what level do you show kindness – the lowest level or the level that treats the person like royalty (or maybe like how you are treated)?
How long do you show kindness to that person – just a few times (to say you did it) or from that time on?

2. Accepting people at their word
David genuinely sent men to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death – but Hanun did not accept him at his word. He allowed other people and his own insecurities to create a new “reality”. Unfortunately, he created war where there was peace and lives were destroyed because of it.

Do you accept people at their word?
Do you believe that they mean what they say?
Do you allow others to create a new “reality”?
Do you create a new “reality” because of your insecurities about yourself?
Do you create war when there is peace? (at school, at home, in friendships, etc.)