The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Forgiveness

Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

2 Kings 5:1-3

When Jesus told his followers to become like little children, he may have had this young Israelite girl in mind. This girl had every reason to hate Naaman and his family. She’d been taken from her family. She was being held captive in an enemy land. She’d been forced to work as a servant. But her love and concern for her enemies outweighed her hatred and bitterness. She wanted the best for the people who mistreated her.

Can you say the same thing? The next time you find yourself in the presence of your enemies, remember the example of the Israelite girl. See if you can match her grace and faith.?

Taken from Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men.