It’s Worth The Effort

Posted by Phil

The challenge was clear at church yesterday: Do a random act of kindness for someone today. You decide to visit Mrs. Johnson, your first grade Sunday School teacher. She had a stroke and hasn’t been to church in over a year.

But it’s getting late, and you can’t find her house in the dark. Should you just forget it? After all, she didn’t know you were coming, and she may not even remember you. Is it really worth the effort?

Read 2 Samuel 9:4-6. Check out what happened in verse 6.

Why was it so important for David to find members of Saul and Jonathan’s family?

How was David’s search influenced by his past relationship with Jonathan?

How do you think Mephibosheth felt when he heard about David’s request to see him?

What was Mephibosheth’s reaction when he was brought to David?

Why was David excited to see Mephibosheth?

Have you ever consciously looked for someone to whom you could express kindness? Was it worth the effort? How did they react?

Do you usually wait until opportunities to help others come to you? Why or why not?

Is it easier for you to be kind to people you know or to people you don’t know? (For example, on a mission trip.)

David was determined to make a connection with Jonathan’s family. When he found Mephibosheth, he was excited about the opportunity he had to make a difference in the life of Jonathan’s son. Being kind to Mephibosheth took effort and David wasn’t getting anything out of it, but he still chose to honor Jonathan’s son with kindness. He was intentional. He was kind even though Mephibosheth had nothing to offer him in return. What about you? Will you become intentional about serving others?

Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, bowed down to the ground and paid homage. David said, “Mephibosheth!”
“I am your servant,” he replied. —2 Samuel 9:6


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