Let Him Teach

“But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things.” John 14:26a (AMPC)

In my post last week, I wrote about honor as a requirement of genuine love. The type of love God describes in His word and shows us in His nature, which is synchronous with honor. Though I’ve never done this before, after I wrote it, I felt pressed to stay on this topic of honor because while revelation is great, there must be faith in action to go with it. The Bible says we should love genuinely and honor each other, but there is a need for further instruction here. Because (if we can be real) we know we should honor, but it’s hard to honor those who hate you! (Again, honoring others is not contingent upon their behavior or merits…they don’t need to earn it!)

So, I asked God, ‘How can we honor those who don’t honor us?’ Seriously! How do you honor the boss who is rude and demeaning? Or, the friend who lied and betrayed your trust? How do you honor the spouse that cheated or left you? How do we honor the father who denied us or the mother who neglected to care for us? I asked and He brought me back to 1 Samuel 24. I heard in my spirit, ‘What did David do?’ I absolutely love how the Holy Spirit will show us where to find instruction, especially for the things He knows we struggle with! If you’re like me, wondering ‘How in the world am I supposed to honor this person?’ I got you!

Let me share what I got from David. First, David acknowledged King Saul’s identity and worth (verse 6). Even though Saul had lost sight of his own identity, David didn’t and he recognized who Saul was to God. Second, David restrained his men (verse 7). We all have those friends (bless their hearts) who will roll up on anybody who hurts you (or at least help you think of ways to get even!). But, like David, we have a responsibility to take God’s word over their advice. Third, David called Saul by his name and address him with humility and respect (verse 8). Okay, bear with me on this, you know how hard it is when that person is working your last nerve, and we may not call them outside their name in front of them, but we certainly might have mumbled a few things under our breath!

Fourth, David allowed himself to be led by God versus people (verse 10)! When people hurt us, we tend to “run” our situation by others to get their thoughts on the matter, but the Bible says, “He who covers an offense seeks love,” (Proverbs 17:9) and “love covers all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12). Lastly, David opens the door for God to step in versus taking matters in his own hands (verse 12). He didn’t lean on his own understanding or others’ opinions. He took the matter to God and let Him be the judge! Sis, maybe you’re struggling to honor and love those who hurt you or maybe there’s something else in your life. Whatever it is, trust that God already knows the instruction you need! Ask the Holy Spirit and let Him teach!