Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Today, we’ll look at how to know friendship is comprehended when the love for that friend is extended.

Today’s scripture, 2 Samuel 9:1‭-‬7 (ERV), shares King David extending kindness to his friend Jonathan’s kin…
David asked, “Is there anyone still left in Saul’s family? I want to show kindness to this person. I want to do it for Jonathan.” There was a servant named Ziba from Saul’s family. David’s servants called Ziba to David. King David said to Ziba, “Are you Ziba?” Ziba said, “Yes, I am your servant Ziba.” The king said, “Is there anyone left in Saul’s family? I want to show God’s kindness to this person.” Ziba said to King David, “Jonathan has a son still living. He is crippled in both feet.” The king said to Ziba, “Where is this son?” Ziba said to the king, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.” Then King David sent some of his officers to Lo Debar to bring Jonathan’s son from the house of Makir son of Ammiel. Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth came to David and bowed with his face low to the floor. David said, “Mephibosheth?” Mephibosheth said, “Yes sir, it is I, your servant Mephibosheth.” David said to Mephibosheth, “Don’t be afraid. I will be kind to you because of your father Jonathan. I will give back to you all the land of your grandfather Saul. And you will always be able to eat at my table.”

Consider…
Growing up, adults had to be addressed in a respectful way. Most unrelated adults were referred to as Mr or Ms, however, close friends of the parents were often called Aunt or Uncle.

This walk down memory lane brings back fond memories of two of my mom’s dear friends, Momma Lois (my Godmother) and Aunt Bertha. Both of these ladies made me feel extremely special and overwhelmingly loved. I remember spending many precious moments with each of them and being poured into by both of them. They were my village before the ‘it takes a village’ became a thing.

Today’s scripture reminds me of these Kingdom women that blessed my life because of their love and friendship with my mother.

Yesterday, we talked about how Jonathan, like Jesus…

• Loved his friend first
• Gave up his royal privileges for his friend
• Willingly sacrificed his life for his friend

Today we fast forward, David is now King of Israel and his friend Jonathan is dead. Another key fact is, Jonathan’s father King Saul, who was jealous of David and determined to kill him, was also dead. The reason that’s important is because of the specific wording David used in today’s scripture. He said, “Is there anyone still left in Saul’s family? I want to show kindness to this person. I want to do it for Jonathan.” You know that you have/had a strong friendship when you’re willing to bless your enemy’s extended family, because one of them is/was your friend.

As I read the story of David blessing his friend’s crippled son because of his love for his father, I am reminded of Matthew 25:34-40 where Jesus pointed out that blessing those less fortunate than us is the same as blessing Him.

Today’s message is short and sweet. We know and celebrate Jesus being our best friend. However, will we reciprocate by blessing others because of Him?

Jesus knows His friendship with us is fully comprehended, when His love and grace through us is fully extended.

Today’s song is…
Because He First Loved Us

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)