2 Kings Chapter 5: Verses 2-4 (NIV)
Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.
Matthew Chapter 5: verses 43-45 (NIV-UK)
‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
A young girl from Israel is taken captive and put into service to the wife of the commander whose troops took her from her home. Yet she lives with integrity and shows no bitterness about her situation. She even talks about the possibility of her master being healed through God’s prophet. And such is her integrity and witness, that her master believes her and goes to seek healing. She could have served Naaman’s wife and said nothing, but instead she spoke about the power of God.
It’s easy to share our faith with those we know and think well of. But do we treat those who are unkind or dislike us in the same way? Jesus told us to, and that young woman was doing just what Jesus said we should be doing. She lived out her faith and was a powerful witness. As a result of her faith, Naaman came to know God. We need to follow her example.
Dear Lord,
May I have the same attitude as that young woman, and pray for those who may want to make things difficult for me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.