Noah’s Shame

“Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father's nakedness”. Genesis 9:22 – 23 NIV

Noah got drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. Ham shamelessly ridiculed his father instead of showing him respect and honor even in his moment of weakness, but his brothers protected their father's dignity, thus uncovering the greatness of their character.

We all have our weaknesses.  Sometimes we are hurting and lose our defenses. It is at these times we most require tolerance and understanding from others. Any kindness we get soothes and strengthens us. It is also our responsibility to preserve the dignity of others instead of laughing at them or disparaging them when they fail. It is by the grace of God that we are preserved, and we should extend the grace to others as a sign of love for Christ.

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“Men are respectable only as they respect”. Ralph Waldo Emerson
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