Naaman’s Servant Teaches Empathy

Naaman was a valiant warrior and commander of the King’s army.  During a raid, a young Israelite girl was taken captive, and she was placed in service to Naaman’s wife.  When the maid became aware that Naaman had leprosy, she knew his disease would become severe, leading to isolation and an untimely death, so she made a suggestion to her mistress that he see the prophet, Elisha.  Naaman did as Elisha asked, was obedient, and was restored to health again.  Because the young servant chose not to look at her own situation as a captive in a foreign land but was empathetic to the situation of her mistress’s husband, she was instrumental in his healing and redemption.


When I’m tempted to focus on my own struggles or unfair circumstances, how might God be inviting me to look outward with empathy—seeing the needs of others and offering compassion that could become a channel of healing just as the servant girl did for Naaman?

Previous
Previous

Peter Teaches Endurance

Next
Next

Moses Teaches Determination