There’s a new game in high school sports, and it’s one of the most uplifting things you’ll ever experience.
It has many of the same elements of a game known for cheering fans, referees, and a scoreboard. But there’s an essential twist: Each five-person team on the court consists of two nondisabled players and three players who have some form of disability. The activity on the court is heartwarming as players assist, encourage, and cheer for each other—no matter what team they’re on. The game is all about lifting up students who wouldn’t otherwise experience the joy of competitive sports.
It takes deliberate, wise leadership for schools to honor students in this way. And their efforts reflect an example set for us in Scripture by King David.
A common saying in David’s day was that “the ‘blind and lame’ will not enter the palace” (2 Samuel 5:8)—used metaphorically in reference to his enemies. David, however, did choose to take Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who had two lame feet, into his palace and honor him with a place to “eat at [his] table” (9:7).
Paul presents a clear guideline for how we’re to treat others. “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:10 nlt).
Let’s practice unified living—making sure to honor, in Jesus’ love, everyone we encounter.
How can you encourage the people in your sphere of influence? What does it mean for you to show honor to others?
Dear God, please help me show grace and kindness toward those who need my love and assistance.
David asked whether there was anyone left in Saul’s household (the former king) to whom he could “show God’s kindness” (2 Samuel 9:3) for the sake of his friend Jonathan, Saul’s son. The word translated “kindness” is the Hebrew word hesed, which is often used to describe God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to fulfill covenant promises to His people. In this context, David shows hesed, or covenant faithfulness, by keeping the covenant promises he’d made with his friend Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3; 20:42; 23:18, 24:21-22). David’s kindness demonstrated his integrity as a king. May God help us to show kindness to others.
