Just as Joshua and the Israelites did not turn their backs on the Gibeonites – they had given them their word and whether they liked it or not, they were going to maintain their relationship even if it was difficult. We have been called to do the same. Consider this:

• You may be your “Gibeon’s” only friend. The Gibeonites were destined to destruction without Israel’s help. Israel felt that they didn’t need Gibeon, but Gibeon sure needed Israel.
  
  
• God put you in the path of your Gibeon. In this account, we see that God was providentially working through Israel’s strained alliance with Gibeon. The same is true with your Gibeon. God has placed you in relationship for a purpose – don’t forget that.
  
  
• You need your Gibeon. God knows your shortfalls, and though you think you have it all together, you don’t. None of us do. And one of our greatest failings is loving others. This is where our Gibeons are so helpful. We likely don’t need them for friendship or protection, but to keep us humble. To teach us how to love sacrificially and selflessly.

Who is your Gibeon? What can you do this week to reflect the love of Christ to him or her?