February 19

So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” — 2 Sam 9:3 BSB

Remembering kindness is a mark of noble character.

True friendship never forgets. Yet it seems David had forgotten his friend Jonathan for many years. It wasn’t until fifteen years after Jonathan’s death that David looked for his son. Meanwhile, the lame boy had been living in obscurity at Lodebar.

Many of us show the same slowness in returning the kindnesses we owe others. We delay until the impact of our return is diminished. Some of us never repay at all. We wait until our friend is gone and then send flowers to their funeral.

Is there someone to whom you owe a debt of kindness, waiting now, somewhere in the shadows? Is there a child of a departed friend who once showed you great kindness, now in need of a friend themselves? Shouldn’t you repay your debt to the living in honor of the dead?