How does this passage encourage us to support those who feel ashamed or humiliated? Setting the Scene • 1 Chronicles 19:5: “When someone informed David about the men, he sent messengers to meet them, for the men were deeply humiliated. The king said, ‘Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.’” • Hanun’s officials had shaved half of each envoy’s beard and cut their garments—a public act of ridicule. • David’s next steps show how godly leaders respond when others are shamed. A King’s Compassionate Response • He took the initiative: “he sent messengers to meet them.” David did not wait for the humiliated men to come to him. • He acknowledged their pain: Scripture notes they were “deeply humiliated.” David treats it as serious, not trivial. • He provided a safe space: “Stay in Jericho.” Jericho was away from Jerusalem’s crowds, giving time out of the public eye. • He gave time for recovery: “until your beards have grown back.” David understood healing—emotional and social—requires time. Principles for Supporting the Ashamed or Humiliated • Reach out first—don’t wait for them to ask (cf. Luke 10:33-34). • Validate their experience—call humiliation what it is (cf. Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep”). • Protect their dignity—offer privacy and a refuge (cf. Isaiah 32:2, “a shelter from the storm”). • Allow for process—not a quick fix. Growth takes time (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1). • Commit to restoration—see them through until honor is restored (cf. Isaiah 61:7, “Instead of shame my people will have a double portion”). Scriptural Echoes • Psalm 34:5: “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” God’s pattern is removal of disgrace. • Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” David models this law centuries earlier. • 2 Samuel 10:5 (parallel account) confirms the historical detail and underscores the consistency of God’s concern for the dishonored. Practical Steps for Today 1. Initiate a personal check-in—call, text, or visit. 2. Offer a temporary “Jericho”—perhaps a meal, a guest room, or a quiet outing where they feel safe. 3. Speak words that restore identity—remind them who they are in Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:9). 4. Guard their reputation—refuse gossip; redirect conversations that would expose their wound. 5. Stay available until “the beard grows back”—follow up regularly; celebrate milestones of regained confidence. Why This Matters • God’s people are called to reflect His heart; He “lifts up those who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14). • Humiliation isolates; support knits believers together in unity (Colossians 3:12-14). • A culture of honor in the church displays the gospel to a watching world (John 13:35). |
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