Daily devotional – be a brother or sister in Christ!
Devotional Lesson: Graciousness and Covering One Another’s Weakness
Genesis 9:20-25
After the flood, Noah planted a vineyard and became drunk, lying uncovered in his tent. Ham, his youngest son, saw his father’s condition and shamefully broadcast it to his brothers. In contrast, Shem and Japheth acted with grace and respect. They covered their father’s nakedness while ensuring they did not look upon his shame.
This passage highlights an essential lesson as we approach Christmas: be gracious, not gossipy.
Proverbs 17:9 reminds us:
“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.”
Instead of exposing someone’s embarrassment or failure, as Ham did, we are called to respond like Shem and Japheth—with love, compassion, and discretion. Broadcasting another’s mishap, whether small or significant, damages trust and does not reflect Christ’s grace.
This Christmas Season:
When you witness a brother or sister in an embarrassing or vulnerable situation, choose love over ridicule.
Offer help and assurance that their dignity will be preserved.
Cover their moment of weakness with God’s grace, just as you would want for yourself.
Application:
We all need grace at times. Let us embody the love of Christ by protecting and uplifting one another. As Paul writes in Galatians 6:2:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This Christmas, be a Shem and Japheth—a bearer of grace, not shame.