Random Acts of Kindness
by Sue Martindale
“The king [David] asked, ‘Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?’” –2 Samuel 9:3
I have been reading through the Bible this year for the first time. It’s quite a marvelous experience to walk through the history of the universe from the first words spoken by God “In the beginning,” to where I am reading today in the Song of Songs. My focus today is on 2 Samuel about what King David did: an act of kindness toward the son of his childhood friend, Jonathan (Saul’s son).
But first, a little background. In 2 Samuel 6, David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. In chapter 7, David wants to build a permanent home for the Ark, but through the prophet Nathan, David learns that it is his own son who will build a home for the Ark. So now, in chapter 9, David asks, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” He learns of Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet, and brings him to his palace. When Mephibosheth arrives and bows down to David to show him honor, King David says, “Don’t be afraid for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table” (vs. 7).
Was it a ploy to keep Saul’s descendent close by, or was it truly an act of kindness? I believe it was the latter. As a Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), I believe kindness is one of the easiest fruits to reflect God’s love to family, friends, and complete strangers. It can be as simple an act as opening the door for someone or providing a meal to a neighbor you know who is ill. Perhaps offering a ride to someone, even if it’s out of your way. Okay, you got me. Yes, I believe kindness has become one of my favorite Fruit of the Spirit, likely since COVID turned our world upside down.
But I also enjoy doing random acts of kindness where others don’t know it’s from me because it’s not about me. It’s my way of showing Jesus to others, whether they are Christian or not. So, I cannot go into detail about some of these ways, but I pray that you will search your friend and family base, your neighbors, those walking around you on vacation, perhaps, and find some simple ways to shower kindness, unexpected kindness, on someone else. Perhaps it will be received at a time when it is needed most, a time that only God knows the circumstances. Simple acts of kindness help spread the rest of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
You may never know what the receiver of your kindness is going through, but God does. Let Him use you to touch someone else’s life randomly, possibly when they need it most.
Father, may I show kindness to others, just as You have shown mercy and kindness to me. Open my eyes and ears to learn of ways I can be Your instrument to provide random acts of kindness and service wherever and whenever You show me a need. I thank You for the greatest kindness Your mercy has given, that being the gift of Your Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.