An Unbittered Heart

“Then David said, “Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Samuel 9:1

David’s desire to show kindness to the house of Saul was again repeated in verse 3. The servant Ziba tells the king that a lame son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth is still alive. David sends for him, gives him land, and expresses his desire that he should eat at his table continually. Mephibosheth would have been considered an enemy to the house of David and to David’s kingship. David’s house belonged to the Lord, therefore David’s desires aligned with the heart of the Lord. David is often described as a man after God’s own heart. What qualities gave him this title? We can look at David's many military conquests, his defeat of Goliath, or even his anointing as king. Yes, these are certainly great accomplishments but one of David’s greatest accomplishments was the forgiveness of his enemies and his kindness towards them. David’s heart was void of bitterness for the things Saul had done against him. David surrendered his hurt and pain from the betrayal of Saul and God gave him a heart that sought after His.

Do we have hearts that are after the heart of God? Oh, that the Lord would unburden our hearts from the bitterness and unforgiveness that we carry and give us hearts that are after His. We should desire a house that belongs to the Lord where our enemies are continually invited to eat at our table.

Amber Clendenin