2 Samuel 9:1 "And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?" Grace is kindness for the sake of another! Eph 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you." David loved Jonathan as his own soul and lamented for his death. 2 Sam 1:26  I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 2 Sam 1:27  How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

The love that Jonathan had was the same love that the Lord Jesus Christ had for us it is a love of the Soul. When people talk about finding a Soul mate they are talking about finding some one who will love them for what they are. Loving the Soul is loving the person; it has absolutely nothing to do with sex at all it is learning to care for the whole being of a person. 1 Samuel 18:1 "And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:2  And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house. 3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:4  And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle."

 The relationship between David and Jonathan is the relationship that the Lord wants all of God’s Christians to have between each other. 1 John 3:16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:17  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. When the lord laid down his life for us he left his throne in Glory and came to this earth giving up all rank and privilege to be a servant of servants for the salvation of our soul. Mark 10:2  But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Grace is forgiving others from the heart! Matt 18:32  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Matt 18:33  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? Matt 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. Matt 18:35  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. 2 Sam 9:2 "And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. Grace is serving others!" 2 Cor 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. Cor 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Ziba is a picture of a Christian witness who carries the gospel message of reconciliation and comfort to a lost lame man that cannot walk before God and serve him because of his sin nature. The carnal mind of a lost man is at enmity with God. Rom 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom 8:7  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom 8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

God’s grace toward us is as David’s grace toward  Mephibosheth Jonathan’s son it is grace toward another on the behalf of some one loved and favored. 2 Sam 9:3  And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. Grace then is unmerited favor showed to some one undeserving of it. God’s grace is given to a person who is undeserving of it. Mephibosheth is the grandson of Saul a man that tried to murder David the king. Titus 3-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

 David the King is a picture of God the Father as he shows he grace to Mephibosheth who is a picture of a sinner that cannot walk with the King because of his Holiness. Yet, for the sake of his covenant with Jonathan, a type of the Son, the King will show grace to his heirs. 1 Sam 20:14  And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: 1 Sam 20:15  But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.16So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David,  saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David’s enemies. 17And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

If a man truly desires to love the Lord he may only genuinely learn to love him through the revelation of the scriptures as all true love is learned.  John 5:37  And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. John 5:38  And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Grace is unmerited favor to those who cannot help themselves the unsaved man can not walk the walk that can please the lord. Isaiah 53:3  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:4  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

God’s love to his faithful son is eternal as he pleased the holiness of his father in becoming the propitiation for our sins. The father will not cut of his mercy and grace forever for the sake of his Son.1 Sam 20:15  But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. Grace is kindness that is never withdrawn. Psalm 100:5   For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

When David made his convent with Jonathan it was a Godly convent that was to be kept for ever! Titus 1:2  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;  2 Sam 9:4  And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. Lo-debar means not a word. Eph 2:9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Rom 3:19  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God:20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

The reason most men refuse God’s salvation is that most men just have to much pride to humble themselves before God. Rom 3:9  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Rom 3:11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Rom 3:12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 2 Sam 9:5  Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. Grace is kindness that goes out and seeks the sinner: Matt 18: 11  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

A Christian that is thankful for the lord’s grace to his soul will desire to be a fisher of men. Matt 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. When we appreciate God’s grace we will compel men to come into his house. Luke 14:3  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. God’s grace makes ambassadors of us!  2 Cor 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God:2 Sam 9:6  Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

When you receive grace that you know that you do not deserve it will take your conscience some time to change from the fear of damnation to the joy of Salvation. Heb 10:31  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Mephibosheth most likely feared David would slay him as it was the custom of oriental kings to slay the entire house of former kings so their would be no challenge to the throne! 1 King 16:10  And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead. 1 King 16:11  And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends. Can you imagine the relief of  King David’s words to Mephibosheth who was expecting to be executed to insure David’s reign  Sinners expect a Holy God to send them to hell for their sins but like David the LORD will Say "fear not", to those who repent of their sins and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Sam 9:7  And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show 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.

King David, like the Lord, puts all human fears to rest by his Grace. 'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear, And Grace my fears relieved; How precious did that Grace appear, The hour I first believed!  1 John 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us. and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

Grace is a kindness that never ends. Rom 5:20  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. 2 Sam 9:8  And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

Grace is kindness that brings conviction. This fellow Mephibosheth is a prince a former heir to the throne the grand son of a King, but when he comes before David the King and he sees his true state. A man that sees God as he truly is will come under conviction. Isaiah 6:1  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. Isaiah 6:3  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:4  And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Isaiah 6:5  Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

You can easily tell a man with a spiritual relationship with God by his lack of personal pride. There is something about a walk with the Lord that humbles a man and changes his walk. Isaiah 57:5  For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. God’s holiness separates himself from man’s unrighteousness but God’s love and grace gives everything to the sinner that will let Jesus Christ redeem him. 2 Sam 9:9  Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

Grace grants to men a inherence incorruptible. 1 Peter 1:4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

When God blesses it is wonderful the world that was for millenniums a bloody grave yard with men murdering for power, glory and wealth will soon be give to Gods people who dwell in the Earth in eternal peace.2 Sam 9:10  Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Grace gives the strength to work for others others: Luke 6:38  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Grace is kindness for others: Rom 12:9  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Rom 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rom 12:12  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Rom 12:13  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.2 Sam 9:11  Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

Grace grants the adoption.Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Gal 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Gal 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Gal 4:7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 2 Sam 12  And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

Grace brings forth fruit!Rom 6:22  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.2 Sam13  So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.

Grace brings forth the truth.Rom 7:24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Today the world has embraced a false Gospel and it is simply this ask Jesus into your hear and everything will be better. That is not the Gospel message of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ calls sinners to repentance and salvation in Jesus Christ. Mark 2:16  And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.