Be Kind to One Another

I like how the Bible often teaches and illustrates for us what God wants us to learn. That’s what’s happening in today’s passages - Ephesians instructs us to be kind and compassionate to one another, and 2 Samuel shows us what that looks like.

The instruction in Ephesians 4 to be kind and compassionate to one another comes in verse 32, after a series of instructions that are all about kindness.

It’s almost like Paul was looking at King David when he wrote these things.

2 Samuel 9 tells us about a time when David was near the pinnacle of his kingship. In 2 Samuel 8:14-15 it says “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.”

In the midst of his success, David searches for someone from his former enemy’s family he can bless. This was unheard of in David’s time! A new king was expected to wipe out all of the family members of the former king. David chose a different path. He knew that God had shown undeserved kindness to him, so he wanted to find someone undeserving with whom he could share this kindness.

He found King Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth. In their culture, Mephibosheth was undeserving of David’s kindness for 2 HUGE reasons: 1) he was the grandson of the former king, 2) he was permanently disabled from an accident early in life. Nonetheless, having himself been captured by God’s kindness, David is going to show kindness to this undeserving man.

David has Mephibosheth brought to him. Notice the first thing that David says to him: “Mephibosheth! Don’t be afraid” (2 Samuel 9:6-7). David’s kindness toward Mephibosheth starts with his words, and is done with others in mind - “I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan” (v.7).

Letting Mephibosheth live is already more kindness than was expected, but David doesn’t stop there. David gives him a permanent seat at the King’s dining table!

All of this kindness came at a great cost to David, but that is the very kindness that God extended to David…and to us. Though we do not deserve it, God invites us to his table. What a blessing!

What about you? How can you show this kind of kindness to others - especially those who do not deserve it?