For many of us , Christmas is a joyous Sean and time with family and friends. It had never crossed my mind that it could be anything but that for someone. Growing up, our church always had Christmas Eve communion. When it was time to partake, our Christmas tradition was that each family would go up together, get the bread and the juice, and then get together alone for a private time of taking it together. One year, our pastor made mention for people to look around at anyone who was alone and to invite them into your family for this special time. Each year, that became one of my favorite things. I’d look around to see who needed to be brought into our family and included. Each year, there was always someone who needed a family to be with That we could open up the circle of our family to.
2 Samuel 9:1 says, “And David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house (family) of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (AMP) They told him of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who was lame and had been hiding for years. David ordered them to bring him in at once. Mephibosheth was the last of his family and was afraid he was being taken to his execution because that’s what kings did back then. Instead, David returned his family land to him, had his servants work it for him and offered him a seat at the king’s table to eat. It’s a beautiful picture of God’s heart for us to not only show kindness, but to open up our circle and make room at the king’s table for others who may not have a seat.
In Galatians 6:10, Paul reminds us, “So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).” I know this is a busy season with lots to get done, but don’t forget about the Mephibosheths of the world around you. They need someone to be helpful, to promote their spiritual well being and to be a blessing to them. They need someone to open their circle and to offer them a seat at a table where they can feel loved and included. Ask God to open your eyes to see who that is. Chances are that God will show you someone who needs to be shown some kindness. When you’re available to open your circle, God will give you the opportunity to do good.
Photo by Google Gemini
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 