A Covenant of Kindness

By: Wendy Sanders

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 4:4

When Jonathan was killed, Mephibosheth’s nurse knew the family was in danger. She fled so quickly it caused her to fall, and the fall is what crippled young Mephibosheth. But David and Jonathan weren't just best friends; they were connected by covenant promises. They made promises to take care of each other and their descendants no matter what happened to either one of them. Their covenant wasn't just for them; it was designed to last through generations. In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan spoke these words to David:

But show me unfailing kindness like that of the Lord as long as I live, so that I may not be killed and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family... 1 Samuel 20:14-15

I'm sure David missed his best friend Jonathan, and he may have been reminiscing when he remembered those covenant promises. Mephibosheth escaped and had children of his own, but in those days disabilities were difficult to overcome. In 2 Samuel 9:8, he calls himself a “dead dog”, so it's safe to assume he felt abandoned, forgotten, and unworthy of kindness.

David asks, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathn’s sake?” 2 Samuel 9:1

When David's servants finally found Mephibosheth, he immediately acted on his promise. He gave Mephibosheth the land and possessions that were rightfully his, and he even gave him a permanent seat at his table. Mephibosheth was shocked by David's outpouring of kindness because he knew his family's status had been changed forever. David's kindness was an expression of God's goodness in his heart.

The kindness we show others is a fruit of the Spirit, and as we show it to others, we are expressing God's goodness that dwells within us. It’s easy to be kind to others when they're being kind to us, but it's harder to be kind to people who are hurting. Why? Because worldly people are much more likely to question our motives. But even when they don't appreciate it, we must still extend God's kindness to them... the same kindness God graciously showed us.

Let your kindness be an instrument of healing; encourage someone who desperately needs it. Let them know they haven't been abandoned, forgotten, and ignored. Remind them God still loves them and that He sees their need!