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10/02/2012

My Thoughts

20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father’s nakedness.

24 When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said,

“Cursed be Canaan!
The lowest of slaves
will he be to his brothers.”

26 He also said,

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem!
May Canaan be the slave of Shem.[b]
27 May God extend the territory of Japheth[c];
may Japheth live in the tents of Shem,
and may Canaan be his[d] slave.” Genesis chapter 9

This passage is an example in the contrast of treating someone in a loving manner vs an unloving manner.

First, Unloving: Poke fun of a flaw that you recognize in someone. Talk about this flaw when you meet with your friends, even if others don't want to talk about the flaw, make sure everyone knows. Why? It's not gossip, it really happened and people should know about it right? Well, yes, in an unloving world it will get on Facebook and it will destroy a reputation, but that's the way of the world and not the love God wants his people to be known for, 'They will know we are Christian by our love'

Second, Loving: Cover over the flaw that you recognize in someone. To the best of your ability, cover the act physically and in your conversation. Never mention the flaw when you meet with friends and family. Sure it really happened, but everyone has a flaw and you know it doesn't feel loving when others talk about your flaw so don't talk about flaws you see in others.

For those of you, like me, who have a hard time accepting themselves, you must recognize that God wants us to love ourselves in this same way. Do not remember and expose your flaw by contemplating it over and over again. Sure it really happened and it can be an issue but cover it as soon as you recognize it is a problem. Take it to God in prayer. Ask for forgiveness and then ask God to help you cover it in all your thoughts and actions, never allow it to contaminate your perspective again.

Learn to live like Shem and Japheth towards others and yourself. Love, Dad