Today: 2026-02-12
HANDLING ``THE OTHER NINE``
Text: Luke 17:12-19
Emphasis: And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? (Luke 17:17)
Narration:
Some people have decided never to help others again because of past experiences or disappointments. Perhaps someone they assisted showed ingratitude, or worse, repaid their kindness with hostility. Such experiences can leave deep hurt, leading many to refuse helping others entirely.
In today’s Bible reading, we see a similar scenario when only one out of ten lepers returned to thank Christ Jesus after being healed. Despite this, Jesus did not stop doing good. Believers must learn to handle the disappointment of the “other nine” and continue acting in love. These “other nine” may be in our families, schools, workplaces, places of worship, or communities. They may receive our goodness without showing gratitude, yet our actions should not depend on their response. As followers of Christ, we must see every act of kindness as ultimately for God’s glory. Do not stagger in your intent to help anyone in need. Do not concern yourself with whether they reciprocate or even show appreciation. Keep showing love, even to the “other nine,” just as God shows love to all people daily (Matthew 5:43-48). When we act in obedience to God’s command, He promises to reward us abundantly (Luke 6:38).
Beloved, do not let the attitude of the ungrateful stop you from helping and showing love to others. True godliness is unconditional – it does not depend on human approval or reciprocation. Continue to act in mercy, generosity, and compassion, trusting that God sees every effort. Your consistent acts of kindness, even when unappreciated, glorifies God and reflects the love of Christ to a world that desperately needs it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please remove hurts I might be nursing from the ungrateful attitudes of those I helped in the past and enable me to keep helping others; I pray in Christ’s name, Amen.
A publication of: The World International Sacred Peace Movement - Grouped Soul.
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