But the Benjaminites would not listen to their kinsfolk, the Israelites. Judges 20:13b NRSV
Israel is trying to do the right thing by purging the evil Gibeans from among them. However, the tribe of Benjamin refuses to listen. It is unclear if they were also evil or were merely being stubborn. I have a feeling it was the latter.
Sometimes we can be particularly willful when it is our own family doing the asking. Why should we listen to them? What can our own kinsfolk possibly know or realize that we don't? Who are they to tell us what to do?
There are times when not listening to our family can be a positive thing. However, because they know us fairly well, we should be wise in giving heed to what they are saying to us. Sometimes just listening can be healing for us in our relationship with them and God just may be speaking to us through them. We can only open our ears and pray about it.
What have your kinsfolk been saying to you lately?
God, my family has been telling me this: ____________________________________________. Help me to hear them. Give me discernment, God, so I can know what to do with this. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
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