The word “kindness” is defined in the New Oxford American Dictionary as “friendly, generous, considerate.” Kindness is a word that makes us feel warm and cared for.

In the book of Second Samuel, there is a story that refers to “the kindness of God.” This little phrase is the subject of our study today.

King David had been fighting many of the enemies of Israel. He had made a name for himself with these battles, but scripture says he, “administered justice and equity to all his people” (Second Samuel 8:15 ESV).

In the next chapter, King David asked a question. He wanted to know if there was anyone still living from the house of King Saul. Because of David’s love for and friendship with Jonathan, the son of Saul, David wanted to know if anyone in the family was still living.

Someone knew of a servant from the house of Saul named Ziba, and they called him in to inquire about descendants of Saul. When Ziba arrived,

David asked Ziba this question, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” (Second Samuel 9:3). Ziba responded that Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, was alive but crippled from an accident.

David’s statement about showing the kindness of God grabbed my attention. Just what is the kindness of God?

I have to admit that I had to give this some thought. In doing so, I think I have a new appreciation for King David’s gesture and for God’s treatment of us.

In the story, David sent for Mephibosheth. He restored to him all the land of Saul, granted him permission to always eat at his table like one of his own sons, and gave him Ziba and his household to be his servants.

So, how were these things like the kindness of God? First, this kindness was unconditional. David didn’t give Mephibosheth a long list of things he had to do to receive this kindness. He did have to show up to receive his inheritance, and he did have to show up at meals to be fed. Mephibosheth was treated like one of David’s own sons, not like one of his captured enemies or a servant.

Second, this kindness was acceptance of Mephibosheth as he was. His physical condition would have required special assistance with moving him from one place to another, preparing a place for him at the table for meals, maybe even medical attention for his feet (Second Samuel 19:24).

None of this was a consideration when David discovered that the son of Jonathan was alive. He and his family were offered a place in the kingdom, a place like his own sons.

Third, King David showed kindness because of his past relationship with Jonathan. There were cherished memories of a friendship that bound them together beyond physical distance and even death.

The kindness of God binds mankind to Him in much the same ways Jonathan and David were bound. God’s love for us is unconditional.

The apostle John wrote about the love of God. One of the things he said speaks to this unconditional love. He said, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (First John 4:11).

God accepts us as we are. Paul said, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus said it best, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

God has a past relationship with us. He created us in His image, Genesis 1:26. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, Hebrews 13:5.

Nehemiah, speaking of the people of Israel and their disobedience to God said, “…But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them” (Nehemiah 9:17).

Even though the people of God were disobedient, He still loved them and did not forsake them. Even when they made idols to worship, He did not forsake them. He had a past with them.

I think God wants us to show His type of kindness to others. The writer of Hebrews told the Hebrew Christians, “Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Peter told us to add brotherly affection to our faith (Second Peter 1:7).

The more we show our love to one another, the more we show our love to the Father. We need to be like David and look for someone to whom we can show the kindness of God.

Sandra Oliver