In the Old testament, David knew that God was compassionate and gracious, and he reflected this in acts of kindness towards others when he became King.
One example of this was that he went out of his way to be kind to Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul and the son of Jonathan. Mephibosheth was a young child when both his father and grandfather died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. Hearing of their deaths, Mephibosheth’s nurse took him and fled in panic. (2 Samuel 4:4) In her haste, the child fell, or was dropped while fleeing.
After that, he was unable to walk. When he became King, David sought him out and we are told that Mephibosheth “ate at David’s table like one of the King’s sons” (2 Samuel 9 v 11).
Working with clients at St George’s Crypt I have grown to realise the truth that small acts of kindness and compassion can mean a lot to people, but just how much it means sometimes takes me by surprise. This week myself and my student treated a man in physiotherapy who has been homeless on and off for several years. Before leaving I supplied him with a back support which he really needed and which immediately alleviated his pain. To our surprise he burst into tears, overcome by relief and gratitude. The student and I just looked at one another in surprise.
I thought about the incident a lot on my way home, reminding myself again that acts of kindness however small are never wasted. Sir Richard Branson is quoted as saying “Giving people help to get back on their feet won’t change their past, but it could change their future.”
We will continue to work with this man whom God has placed in our path.
Lord, help us not to miss opportunities to be kind to others, and reflect Your compassion and care. Help us Lord to be sensitive to unspoken needs in others, and not to underestimate the depth of emotional pain.
Make us channels of your love for Jesus’ sake. Amen