KindnessSample

Kindness for the sake of Christ

You may not know or be able to say "Mephibosheth," however, this obscure figure from the book of 2 Samuel teaches us much about the kindness of God. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul of Israel. At five years old, when his father and grandfather died in the battle of Mount Gilboa, he was dropped by his nurse in the chaos of fleeing and became crippled in both feet (2 Samuel 4:4). For many years, he hid and lived in obscurity as David rose to power and established his rule over Israel.

When David established his kingdom, he remembered the promise he made to Mephibosheth’s father and his beloved friend Jonathan to look after his family. He sought out the remaining members of Jonathan’s family and found Mephibosheth. David brought Mephibosheth to Jerusalem, restored all of his father’s land to Mephibosheth, and ensured that he would always eat at the king’s table, essentially treating him as one of his own sons.

What can we know about God’s kindness from Mephibosheth? David did not need to do all that he did for Mephibosheth. And we do not deserve all that He has done for us. David’s kindness to Mephibosheth was deliberate and intentional, just as the Lord’s kindness is to us. David sought out Mephibosheth as God seeks us out. David’s kindness was for the sake of his promise to Jonathan, and God’s kindness to us is for the sake of Christ. We have received such kindness in Christ. For the sake of Christ, we can show such kindness to others.

Written by QUYNH EASTMAN