The king said, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” 2 Samuel 9:3 (NASB)
This was a question which totally transformed a man’s life. The man was Mephibosheth. The person asking the question was King David. David had been crowned king of Israel. It was common practice in those days to exterminate all members of a previous dynasty to prevent any descendant from seeking the throne. As long as a spark of life from that family still smouldered, it was a threat to the new king. Yet David’s response, as we have just read, was quite the contrary. In fact, David’s actions draw us to reflect upon the theme of kindness in our lives. This biblical story practically illustrates the kindness and grace of God extended to us. Mephibosheth deserved nothing and yet David favoured him. He was crippled as the result of a fall and yet David lifted him up and seated him at his table. God’s kindness brings us into a place of intimate communion with God.
The first section of Proverbs 19:22 states:
What is desired in a man is kindness… Proverbs 19:22 (NKJV)
Why? Why would God consider this trait so important? The truth is that we are the vessels today to extend God’s lovingkindness and mercy to the world around us. Kindness is humbly giving of ourselves in love and mercy to others who may not be able to give anything back, who sometimes don’t deserve it and who frequently don’t thank us for it. Kindness is not an inconvenience to be avoided, but a characteristic to be embraced. Sometimes it is as simple as a pleasant smile, or a warm handshake, or sending a thank you note, or assisting a neighbour with a household chore, or being with a friend in distress.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
Kindness is indeed the amazing quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. It is to flow out of our being as genuine affection, appreciation, warmth, understanding, unselfishness and thoughtfulness. David’s words offer a model prayer for all of us at the start of each new day: is there anyone to whom I can show God’s kindness today?