4 Godly Character Qualities of David – A Man After God’s Own Heart
King David is probably most known for defeating the giant Goliath. His courage and trust in God, as a young shepherd boy, prepared him to be the King of Israel.
In 2 Samuel chapter 9, we see the tender, gentle and compassionate side of this warrior and king. As we look at the 4 Character Qualities of David – we will see that these qualities are a reflection of the King of Kings – Jesus.
This chapter opens up with David asking if there are any relatives from the house of Saul alive that he can bless. Remember, that typically, a new king would wipe out the previous king’s family so there would be no threat to his throne. So this is quite a humble endeavor.
David discovers that indeed – there is a son of Jonathan, who was crippled at the age of 5, still alive. His name is Mephibosheth.
Now watch as the godly character of David is on display as this story unfolds. May we learn to be like David…who was like Christ.
4 Godly Character Qualities of David – A Man After God’s Own Heart
1.) David was kind and his kindness came from the heart of God.
David did not have kindness of his own to show the house of Saul. Saul had chased David and made his life miserable. Instead, it was the kindness OF GOD that he wanted to give away.
And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” (v. 3)
We too are to be instruments of God’s kindness.
While we were sinners and did not deserve the kindness of God – Jesus died for us. And so now that we have received His kindness – we can give it away.
Kindness is a fruit of the spirit. Even when others mistreat us – God will enable us to be kind through His Holy Spirit.
2.) David kept his promise just like Jesus keeps all of his promises to us.
In 1 Samuel 18 and 20, David had promised Jonathan that he would not cut off his love from the house of Saul, once Jonathan was gone. And so David was a covenant keeping man.
And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. (v.7)
We need to be women of our word. When we make a promise, even if it is difficult to keep, we should follow through on our word. The Bible is filled with God’s promises to us and I am so thankful that God never changes and He always does what he says he will do. We can trust Jesus because he is a covenant keeping God.
3.) David showed grace just as Jesus has given us grace.
When Mephibosheth arrived before David’s throne, he was scared. He knew that David had the power to put him to death but David removed all of his fears. He not only gave him life but he promised to restore the land of Saul to him and let him eat at the kings table forever!
And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” (v7)
Oh my – this is a beautiful picture of Jesus’ love for us! We are the crippled man in this story and Jesus has not only restored us from judgement but he has invited us to eat at his table – as part of the family of God – forever!
Freely we have received – now freely we must give.
We too must generously show grace to others.
4.) David gave Mephibosheth an abundant life just as Jesus has given us an abundant life.
David was busy. He didn’t really need another task to do but in the midst of all his important kingly duties…David was thoughtful. He remembered that he had a responsibility to give. He didn’t just have good intentions. His love was proactive and he sought Mephibosheth out on his own, the same way Jesus sought us out to seek and to save.
So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. (v11)
David had no agenda except love.
The crippled man had nothing to offer yet he was treated like he was part of the family!
God has treated us – not as guests – but as part of his family!
Who does God want you to seek out and help? Jesus told his disciples to go – make disciples.
Go and give!
People are hurting. They are spiritually crippled and alone with no hope and no abundant life. They may be afraid to go to God because they fear judgement. But God can restore people beyond our imagination. We must be proactive with our love.
And remember as you go, we are daughters of the King of Kings and we share in his bounty. God wants to feed us daily bread, so don’t go trying to eat somewhere else! There is a seat at the table for you and he wants to provide for you and nurture you and lovingly lead you.
David was an imperfect man. As we read on in 2 Samuel, we will see him fall into sin.
We too are imperfect and fall into sin on a regular basis.
But King Jesus – He was perfect! He is the one we follow.
May we become more and more kind, loving and like Jesus.
Walk with the King,
Thank you for sharing. I love how you showed examples of proactive love in Scripture.
I’m blessed
Such a beautiful blessed message, perfectly written.
Great outline of David humbleness. I give kindness in many ways and I’ve seen the fruit of it. God is good
Thank you for sharing this today! A word for me from a sister in the Lord! I have an extremely busy day scheduled today (so much that I did not sleep well last night with all that’s on my mind) – and in the middle of all this…I was able to sit at my Savior’s feet this morning, and let Him love on me and encourage me thru your words. What a sweet thought to sit at His table and learn from Him and to be loved by Him! Just love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!
Thanks for great job done.
Recently my Precept study group just finished 1 Samuel and now we are starting 2 Samuel. It is such a rich and lovely book. The Lord is so gracious to warn us so we stay away from sin that so easily besets us. The experiences David has endured relate to my circumstances as well. David always poured out his heart to the Lord but then always revisited all that God has done for him . Thanking and praising Him for all He has done. David’s Psalms are so much more meaningful now that I know where and what situation David was going through at the time.
Thank you for your encouragement through scripture. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Good to me its make me to no more about how we should be with others and we should loved one another.
This was awesome! I’ve learned even through my own life, that many Christians still don’t comprehend God’s grace and kindness in our lives. Especially if there is a background of abuse , neglect and trauma. Some people think hearing sermons and becoming a Christian would solve their issues, but Many are still at war with themselves because of their past events and are not kind and forgiving to themselves. Therefore it is hard for them to be kind to others, and can really struggle through this. Some don’t even know why they act the way they do and hate themselves because they fall into old patterns. That’s where I think good spiritual relationships and especially developing a deep, intimate relationship with God, not just being a church goer, can help. Counseling can also help. and finally we need prayer. Prayer is one of the most powerful actions we can take for one another. Prayer is effective. Ask someone to pray for you to be healed from the past, so you can understand God’s love so u can share it and be kind to others. Finally you provide us with The example of Jesus which is our reason to change. The Holy Spirit is at work creating something new!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing these qualities, that we too as daughters of the King of Kings can emulate.
God bless you
I really enjoyed the message and it has transformed me into a different kind
Thank you Courtney, this is very good. I love heart of David. Beautifully written. I’ll share. Thank you for your ministry.
I am studying the Bible timeline and had to lookup the internet of David’s qualities andcame across this piece of writing. I enjoyed this beautiful explanation of godliness in David and it’s created an awareness of the simplicity of life. To be god like is to be kind, love, forgive, be filled with grace and reach out.
How wonderful is our lord and saviour and I feel blessed to be adopted in his family. Thank you Jesus for your peace and grace that makes my life wonderful every day.
Nice piece here, Thanks for sharing. We must dedicate our time to
loving, caring and above all God fearing, and lets plant this in our
generations, and we shall be blessed.
thank you so much for allowing the Spirit of GOD to lead you . Indeed it was my word and am blessed . We give thanks to the almighty who gave his son just for us.
This site was so good!! I had to do a paper on One character from the Bible that showed 3 godly traits! This was my #1 site to go to, to help me compose my paper!
I’m doing the same thing!! This is for one of my Liberty University classes.
When the bible says ” David was a man after God’s own heart” 1 Samuel 13:14
Yes! Its clear. David demonstrated in his life, the true meaning of God’s love ❤️ for me, us the world(people). I so enjoyed your writing.
Thank you!
Much Love ?
..
Sorry ladies. I’m a man and I was just looking through the net for David’s positive traits and I came upon this post. I only noticed this post was for women after I read the content. I read about his annointing by Samuel and just wanted to see a summary of his qualities. Thanks for this post.
I love the way you explained in details and of a truth I saw the reality of it all,no wonder Jesus is from the lineage of Davide because ,Cos there is a man with the like mind of Christ.Godbles you
This is really awesome. Just stumble on this and I really love the way you detailed these qualities of David which we are to emulate.