In ancient times when a king assumed the throne, he killed off all the members of the family that had been in power. Not King David. 

David remembered a promise he had made to both his friend Jonathan and also to former King Saul: in Jonathan’s absence, David would look after members of Jonathan’s family. 

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, who was the son of Saul. Mephibosheth wasn’t the kind of strong, sexy, and successful person a typical king would want hanging around the palace. He was disabled. Special needs.

David felt kindness toward Mephibosheth, prompting him to remember his promise. “Is there no one alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” (2 Samuel 9:3).

Whose kindness? David, with a worshipful heart, focused on God. He appreciated God’s kindness to him so much that it overflowed to a young man with special needs.

Because David had special needs too—spiritual needs, that is. He needed exceptional forgiveness and mercy from God. He trusted in divine guidance and wisdom that he himself couldn’t produce. He relied on God’s strength to win battles. 

David didn’t consider himself superior in any way, even as a king.

In what ways have you resisted coming closer to those with special needs or disabilities? Why is it so easy to feel superior to them? Pray today about showing more kindness to them.