As I mentioned last week, compassion is the ability to empathize with the sufferings and needs of others. While simple compassion is a “feeling” that emerges from the heart, genuine compassion always responds with an act of kindness toward the one who is suffering and in need.  

One of my favorite passages in Scripture is found in Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome when he asked the believers a question:

“Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4)?

I love it when Paul wrote the words “the riches of His kindness.” You see, “kindness” is rooted in the character of God, and it’s because of His kindness that our hearts are convicted of sin and brought to the point of repentance.

Because of God’s kindness toward us, the Apostle Paul realized that this was to be a disposition of the heart for the redeemed. He exhorted the Christians in Ephesus to,

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God also forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

And then a similar admonition was given to the Church in Colossae as Paul wrote,

“…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

One of my favorite examples of “kindness” comes from the Old Testament as we see David’s kindness extended towards the house of Saul. With the transfer of power from Saul (of the house of Benjamin) to David (of the House of Judah), David asked,

“Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

Wow! David wanted to show “kindness” to anyone left in Saul’s house. David’s question showed great compassion because it was customary in those days for the king of a new dynasty to eliminate all those connected with the family of the prior dynasty. David rejected any form of revenge and asked what he could do for the family of Saul. It was then that Ziba, a former servant of Saul, told David about Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan. When Ziba came to David, he said,

“There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.”

I find it fascinating that even though Saul continued to seek David’s demise during his reign as King, Jonathan and David remained friends. David wanted to show the same kindness toward the house of Saul that God had shown to him throughout his life. When Mephibosheth was brought to David, David said,  

“Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”

What generosity! And what kindness! Then Mephibosheth bowed before David and said,

“What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”

Notice how Mephibosheth thought of himself – As nothing more than a “dead dog!” But because of David’s kindness, he was to have his property restored as well as sit at the king’s table for every meal. He felt unworthy of David’s generosity and kindness, and yet just look at what one simple act of kindness did to Mephibosheth!

And friends, just consider what one simple act of kindness can do in the life of one who is suffering! I want to encourage each of us to first ask God to give us a compassionate heart, and then ask Him to show us how we might extend some form of kindness to those in need. After all, it is God who allows those who are suffering to cross our path, so let’s take the time to notice and then extend kindness to those in need.  

God bless you today, and I hope to see you next week.