Relationships are complicated. David’s best friend Jonathan was the son of Saul who hated David. Both died on the same day. In one battle, David lost friend and foe. As he consolidated the kingdom, he fought battles against his enemies and built his cabinet with warriors and priests. In the ancient world, blood relatives of former kings were quickly and summarily eliminated. This took away the possibility of them regaining the throne of their relatives at the expense of the new king.
David lived differently. He awakened one morning and said, “How can I be kind to the family of Saul for the sake of Jonathan?” Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son was lame. David brought him to his table, restored his grandfather Saul’s land and treated him like one of his own sons. Who does that? This kindness was unheard of in the ancient world.
Many years later, a descendant of David sat down on a hill beside the Sea of Galilee and said, “You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemies. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven . . .” In other words, be kind to those who have been unkind to you. Who does that? God. And God’s children.
