Now, kindness sounds simple, doesn’t it? It’s the one we assume we’ve mastered. It’s what we teach our kids: “Be kind. Say thank you. Share your toys.” But somewhere along the way, we learn that kindness isn’t always easy. Because kindness isn’t just being nice — it’s compassion that costs something. It’s love that moves toward brokenness instead of avoiding it.

Kindness Moves Toward Brokenness

Our story comes from 2 Samuel 9, when David becomes king over a newly united Israel. After years of division and war, he finally has peace, power, and control. And the first thing he asks is surprising:

“Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1 NIV)

Remember — Saul tried to kill David. The normal response would have been revenge. Instead, David chooses compassion.

He learns about Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son — a man who was crippled in both feet and living in a desolate place called Lo Debar, which literally means “no pasture” or “nothing.” David sends for him. When Mephibosheth arrives, trembling before the king, David says:

“Don’t be afraid. I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. You will always eat at my table (v.7)

He doesn’t just spare him — he restores him. He gives him land, dignity, and a permanent seat at the royal table. That’s the heart of kingdom kindness: compassion that crosses every line of comfort and pride. It doesn’t ask, “Who deserves this?” It asks, “Who needs this?”

Kindness Isn’t Conditional — It’s Covenantal

David’s kindness wasn’t random; it was rooted in a promise. Years earlier, he made a covenant with Jonathan — a promise to show kindness to his family. That’s the difference between conditional kindness and covenantal kindness.

• Conditional kindness says, “I’ll treat you well if you treat me well.”
• Covenantal kindness says, “I’ll love you because God loved me first.”

Our kindness should be shaped by the same covenant. We show kindness not because others deserve it, but because we’ve experienced it. God showed us grace when we were broken — when we were all spiritual Mephibosheths, hiding in our own Lo Debar.

Kindness Is Costly — But Worth It

David’s kindness came at a price. He gave away land, resources, and status. Kindness will always cost you something — time, pride, maybe even forgiveness. But every act of kindness is a mirror of God’s heart.

Romans 2 reminds us that “God’s kindness is intended to lead us to repentance.” (v.4)

In other words, kindness isn’t weakness — it’s the strength of the Spirit. It’s the fruit that draws people closer to God, not pushes them away.

What Kindness Looks Like in Everyday Life

Paul gives us a checklist in Romans 12:9–21. Here’s what kindness in action looks like:

• Kindness feeds enemies. When’s the last time you shared a meal with someone who hurt you?
• Kindness refuses revenge. Are you fighting to be right, or to make things right?
• Kindness ends the cycle of hate. It puts down weapons — even verbal ones.
• Kindness listens before reacting. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is keep quiet.
• Kindness forgives before the apology. Grace doesn’t wait for someone to deserve it.
• Kindness speaks life. What you think about others becomes how you treat them.

It’s easy to be kind to those who are kind back. But Spirit-led kindness shows up when kindness is the last thing the world expects.

Covered by Kindness

When Mephibosheth sat at the king’s table, his broken feet were hidden beneath the cloth — covered by grace. That’s what God’s kindness does for us. It covers what’s broken and calls us sons and daughters. And now, He calls us to do the same: to extend our tables to others — to invite the forgotten, the hurting, and the unworthy to sit with us and feel whole again.

Your “Lo Debar” Moment

So, who in your life is sitting in Lo Debar — hiding, hurting, forgotten — waiting for your kindness? Maybe it’s someone who wronged you. Maybe it’s someone who can’t repay you. Maybe it’s someone you’ve written off. This week, don’t just feel kind —  be kind. Feed your enemies. Bless your critics. Overcome evil with good. That’s the kind of kindness that changes lives.

A Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for showing us the same kindness You showed Mephibosheth — for finding us in our brokenness and inviting us to Your table. Help us to see others through Your eyes. Fill us with Your Spirit so that our kindness costs us something — our pride, our comfort, our convenience — but leads others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.