For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
The hard days are over, and it's time for King David to come home. The big question is: will he come home angry, or will he come home kind?
Today's Story
The trouble was over, and the people wanted David to be their king again. So David headed home, back across the river toward Jerusalem.
Now here was David's big choice. Lots of people had turned against him while he was away. Would he come back angry, looking to punish everyone?
No. David came back with forgiveness. Do you remember Shimei — the man who had yelled mean things and thrown dirt at David? Shimei came and said sorry. And David told him, “You won't be punished.” He forgave him!
And remember Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son? He came to welcome David home. He hadn't even brushed his clothes or trimmed his beard the whole time the king was gone, because he'd been so sad and worried. When someone offered Mephibosheth riches, he just said, “I don't care about any of that. I'm just so glad my king has come home safely!”
David chose forgiveness, and the king came home in peace. A fresh start for everyone.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- David could have come home angry, but he chose to forgive. Why is forgiving sometimes harder than staying mad?
- Mephibosheth didn't care about riches — he was just glad his king was home. What is something you're really glad about that isn't a “thing”?
- Forgiveness gave everyone a fresh start. Is there someone you could forgive so you can start fresh?