How can we ensure we remember and honor those who have helped us? Gideon Forgotten: A Sobering Warning “they did not show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal—that is, Gideon—for all the good he had done for Israel.” (Judges 8:35) Israel enjoyed years of peace because God used Gideon, yet once he died the nation neither remembered the LORD nor honored Gideon’s family. Their ingratitude sets a negative benchmark, urging us to cultivate the very opposite spirit. Why Remembrance Matters • Gratitude toward people flows from gratitude toward God (Judges 8:34). • Forgetting benefactors breeds pride and spiritual drift. • Honoring those who helped us trains the next generation to value faithfulness (Deuteronomy 32:7). Scriptural Principles for Honoring Our Helpers • Honor is commanded, not optional – Romans 13:7: “honor to whom honor is due.” • Remember spiritual leaders – Hebrews 13:7: “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: “acknowledge those who labor among you… esteem them very highly in love.” • Repay kindness with kindness – Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” – David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) model lasting covenant loyalty. Practical Ways to Keep Gratitude Alive • Tell the story – Share testimonies of how God used specific people to bless you. – Celebrate anniversaries of answered prayers or pivotal events. • Write it down – Keep a gratitude journal naming mentors, friends, and supporters. – Send handwritten notes recalling concrete moments of help. • Tangible kindness – Offer meals, financial assistance, or help with projects for aging mentors or their families. – Support widows, children, or ministries of deceased benefactors. • Public recognition – Speak well of helpers in church, family gatherings, and social media. – Establish scholarships, memorial funds, or ministry projects in their honor. • Ongoing partnership – Volunteer alongside those who once invested in you. – Pray regularly for their health, family, and ministry. • Teach the next generation – Pass on stories of faithfulness during family devotions. – Encourage children to thank teachers, pastors, and grandparents. Blessings That Flow from Honoring • Humility grows as we acknowledge we did not arrive alone (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Unity deepens when gratitude replaces criticism. • Faith is strengthened; remembering past mercies fuels trust for future challenges. • A testimony shines to unbelievers, showcasing a community that values loyalty and love. Choose deliberate, consistent acts of remembrance, and you will reverse the failure recorded in Judges 8:35, living out a heritage of honor that glorifies God and blesses His people. |
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