SUNDAY October 27, 2019
One Good Turn Deserves Another
…those who were in Rachal, those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, those who were in the cities of the Kenites, those who were in Hormah, those who were in Chorashan, those who were in Athach, those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to rove.
1 Samuel 30:29-31
When David fled away from Saul, he was accustomed to roaming throughout different cities and lands. During this difficult season, many of the people from these places took care of David and his men. When David returned to Ziklag, he repaid them for their kindness. He made it a point to travel to those same places and share the spoils with them that he had taken in battle.
David was a man of integrity. When he divided the spoils, he made sure there was enough for everybody. All the people who helped him were rewarded. David showed them kindness in return for the kindness they had showed to him. It has been said, “One good turn deserves another.” In other words, if someone showed you a kindness, you would turn around and do something kind for them in return.
However, Jesus taught His disciples to be kind to those who were unkind to them, even those seen as enemies. Under Roman rule, any foreigner could be tapped on the shoulder by a Roman soldier, and he could demand they carry his backpack for one mile. If that happened, a disciple of Christ should go the extra mile:
If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two (Matthew 5:40-41).
It is so much easier to act kindly to those who have treated you with kindness, but it is a test of Christian faith to show kindness to those who were unkind.
Take that which God has given you and share it.
~Stephen F. Olford~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!