"Now it came about at that time that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, 'God is with you in all that you do; now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have sojourned.' Abraham said, 'I swear it.'" -Genesis 21.22-24
Abimelech has shown great kindness to Abraham. He has allowed him to sojourn in his land. And he didn't kill him over the issue with Sarah. He has also given him livestock and servants. He has dealt kindly with this man because he is a prophet of God. And he asks for kindness and honesty in return toward himself and his descendants. And Abraham agrees.
A man does not repay good favor with evil. To those who show him kindness, he returns it. And to those who don't offer kindness, he gives it still, but more on this later in Scripture. As I read these verses my mind kept going to a quote from the movie Robin Hood. "We can't repay our good luck with bad grace, it invites darkness." Robin and his companions are headed back to England after years on Crusade in the Holy Land. On the way they come upon a group of knights who have been ambushed. There is one survivor, Robert Loxley. He asks Robin to return his sword to his father, and he swears to. This ambush gives the men their passage home, and Robin feels compelled to honor his vow. That is what a man does.
What kindness have you been shown? How have you repaid it? It isn't always convenient or desirable, but it is right. We must reach out with kindness, and return it when it is given.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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