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DAVID EXALTED THE HIGHEST VIRTUE
FRIDAY, JULY 31
2 Samuel 9

Matthew 19:16-19

 

“Thou shalt love

thy neighbour as thyself.”

 

DAVID EXALTED THE HIGHEST VIRTUE
 
Charity is another word for love. It is the central character of the Gospel, eg. “…God so loved the world…” (John 3:16), “…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). These are familiar expressions in the New Testament. The Lord Jesus Christ spoke of love in the highest regard. David was not slow in understanding the Gospel. In his many psalms, he showed this understanding. Though believers were not known as Christians then, David knew what salvation in Christ meant. He was a Christian through and through. He knew what the Ten Commandments were. Jesus summed them up as love for God and for one’s neighbour. David’s love for the son of Jonathan (his dear friend) was unconditional. Mephibosheth was lame, but David did not make it an issue because love endures all things. He showed his love to Mephibosheth.
 
David sent for Mephibosheth to come from Lodebar where he was staying. There is no mention of other family members of Saul. He was the nearest of kin that Ziba identified. When he arrived, he fell on his face and bowed in respect to King David. They got to know each other and David spoke to him kindly. David’s love had led him to focus on the good things in his relationship with Saul’s family, ignoring all the wicked things Saul had done to him. He knew that love covers a multitude of sins. He recognised Mephibosheth and held him in high esteem, because he remembered his covenant with Jonathan. David had many responsibilities, but he found time to entertain his friend’s son, and that kindness continued as Mephibosheth sat and dined at his table every day from that time.
 
David was a practical teacher of good things. His good deeds spoke for themselves. There is also great wisdom in his conduct. The Holy Spirit was his teacher. He was the youngest son of his father, but even as a boy, he spoke confidently to his older brothers. He is still that teacher today, and we continue to learn from him.
 
THOUGHT: Bible-based love is true love.

PRAYER: Father, may love define my Christian character.

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