What is Kindness?

Kindness. How many times have you heard that word? Growing up, I heard it all the time: “Be kind to people.” But what exactly is kindness? One of the best biblical examples I can think of involves David and a man named Mephibosheth. In the days of David, when a new family became king, all family members of the old king would be killed. Crazy, right? Well, when King Saul and his son Jonathan are killed in battle, David becomes the new king. Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth. David, as the new king, was expected to kill all of Saul and Jonathan’s relatives, including Mephibosheth. But instead of doing that, David asks if any of Saul’s relatives are left who he can show kindness to. David had made an oath to Jonathan, who was his closest friend. When Saul wanted to kill David, Jonathan swore he would help David escape, and David swore he would show unfailing kindness—like God’s kindness—to Jonathan and his family (1 Samuel 20:12-17). So now David invites Mephibosheth to come to the palace. Not only that, but David also gives Mephibosheth everything that belonged to his grandfather Saul. Imagine being Mephibosheth, who went to the palace probably expecting to die but was instead given back the land of his ancestors. David also told Mephibosheth that he was to eat at the king’s table, an honor usually reserved for the sons of the king. I can’t think of a better example of kindness than David’s kindness to Mephibosheth. In that time, it would have been perfectly legal and considered just for him to kill Mephibosheth, but instead of doing that, or even just letting Mephibosheth live, David treated him as a son. David’s kindness foreshadowed the amazing kindness God has shown His people. When we were God’s enemies, helpless to save ourselves, Jesus showed us the ultimate kindness by dying for us. (Who dies for their enemies?) Not only that, but God welcomes us into His family as His children, even His heirs. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He not only saves us from the death we deserve, but also welcomes us to eat at His table with Him. • Kimberly Brokish • What are some ways people have shown you kindness? How has God shown you kindness? • Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus—who perfectly embodies kindness—His Holy Spirit is in us and empowers us to be kind, even to our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44; John 15:4-5; Galatians 5:22-23). How might remembering and receiving God’s kindness to you help you show kindness to others? So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to?” 2 Samuel 9:3a (CSB)

Read Verses:

2 Samuel 9:1-13; Romans 5:6-11; 8:14-17; Galatians 6:9-10