Devotion
Honoring Each other
Chipo Biti
Jonathan and David had a friendship that was bonded in love. They didn't just see each other as friends, they treated each other as if they were brothers. They were so close with each other the Bible records that they "knit with the soul" which means that they were in one accord. They loved each other like brothers.
When Jonathan died, David could have chosen to overlook the promise that he made. The promise was made between the two of them – no one else knew about it. But the love and appreciation that David had for his friendship with Jonathan would not allow him to forsake that promise.
This friendship continued until Jonathan's tragic death. David was so moved by Jonathan's death, he pledged to take care of anyone who was part of Jonathan's family. When David discovered that Jonathan had a son who was born with a disability, he took him in and treated him like royalty. He remained loyal to the promise that he made. He did not treat Jonathan's son as a lesser person. He made sure that he was as comfortable as possible.
This is the kind of example that we should follow as well, as Christians. When we come across people with disabilities we should treat them with respect. Just because they have a disability, it does not mean that we should treat them like they are not humans. They are people too – with thoughts, feelings, dreams, hopes, and ambitions. They are just like you, except for the disability they have.
In David's time, people with disabilities were treated like non-factors. They were often left to be beggars. The love in David's heart would not allow him to do this. The love in your heart should not allow you to treat anyone like they are less.
Prayer
You should also be mindful to keep your word the way David did – even if other people are not aware of it. That is another form of love that we are to express.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
