2 Samuel 9:1, 7 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?…And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
After the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David ended and David was firmly established as king, David’s response to his newfound position was to show kindness to anyone left of Saul’s house. There was a son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth by name, who was lame in his feet. David summoned him to come to live at his palace and dine at his table. Indeed, he showed him much kindness.
It says he did that for the sake of his good friend, Jonathan, but Mephibosheth was still of the rival house, an enemy threat that he did not kill. Nevertheless, he treated him with kindness. “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you [Matthew 5:44].” “Heap coals of fire on his head….Repay no one evil for evil….Overcome evil with good [Romans 12].” This is what a true believer does.
Of course, the cynic would say David was a shrewd politician, knowing the old adage, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” He was neutralizing a threat to the throne. But we give David the benefit of the doubt as a man of God: he was being kind because that’s what believers do. Our response to all people is to show kindness and exhibit the love of Christ. We follow the old advice of the fathers: Be kind, for everyone you know is going through a struggle.”