In what ways can we apply Judges 8:35 to our daily relationships? Scripture Focus “They showed no kindness to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) for all the good that he had done for Israel.” Judges 8:35 Historical Snapshot • Gideon had risked his life to deliver Israel from Midian. • Once peace returned, the people quickly forgot both the Lord’s deliverance (v. 34) and Gideon’s sacrificial service (v. 35). • The nation slipped into ungrateful, self-centered living, setting the stage for fresh cycles of sin and oppression. Timeless Principles Drawn from the Verse • Gratitude is a moral obligation, not optional courtesy. • Kindness must be proportional to the good received. Ignoring benefactors is sin, not oversight. • Forgetfulness toward God and people usually travel together. When hearts drift from the Lord, human relationships suffer. • Ingratitude breeds future trouble (cf. Proverbs 17:13). Daily Life Applications 1. Honoring Those Who Have Blessed Us • Parents and grandparents—express thanks while they are still living (Ephesians 6:2). • Spiritual mentors—send a note, make a call, “esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Civil authorities and employers—“give everyone what you owe him… honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). • Friends who stood by you—publicly acknowledge their loyalty (Proverbs 3:27). 2. Practicing Kindness in Real Time • Speak appreciation immediately; don’t wait for special occasions. • Return favors with tangible help: meals, childcare, errands, shared skills. • Guard against “out of sight, out of mind” by setting reminders to pray for and contact those who have invested in you. 3. Resisting the Drift into Forgetfulness • Keep a gratitude journal listing God’s deliverances and people He used (Psalm 103:2). • Celebrate anniversaries of answered prayer or pivotal help, just as Israel erected memorial stones (Joshua 4:7). • Tell the next generation the stories—ingratitude shrinks when memory is fresh. 4. Responding When Others Forget Our Good • Maintain a servant heart; seek reward from the Lord, not people (Colossians 3:23-24). • Forgive quickly—“be kind and tenderhearted… forgave” (Ephesians 4:32). • Keep doing good anyway (Galatians 6:9-10); the harvest comes in God’s timing. Practical Relationship Settings • Marriage: verbalize how you value your spouse’s everyday sacrifices; small thank-yous prevent large resentments. • Parenting: teach children to write thank-you notes; model gratitude at the dinner table. • Workplace: acknowledge team members’ contributions in meetings or emails; it creates a culture opposite to Judges 8:35. • Church: recognize volunteers publicly, not assuming “they know we care.” • Community: support first responders, teachers, and veterans—people often taken for granted like Gideon’s family. Guardrails against Ingratitude • Daily prayer starter: “Lord, show me whom to thank today.” • Weekly review: list at least three people you benefited from in the past seven days. • Monthly practice: give an unexpected gift or service to someone whose kindness you have enjoyed. • Annual habit: write or speak a testimony of God’s faithfulness and name the human instruments He used (Psalm 40:9-10). Living It Out Today • Send a brief message to the person who first led you to Christ, if possible. • Plan a coffee or video call with a former teacher, coach, or boss who shaped you. • Share a story of God’s recent help on social media, tagging anyone involved. • Look for unnoticed servants at church this week; thank them face-to-face. By actively remembering and rewarding the good done to us, we reverse the sad example of Judges 8:35 and cultivate relationships marked by loyalty, warmth, and the fragrance of Christ. |
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