The parable of the sows teaches us a simple principle about how we should posture ourselves in our relationships with others.  It needs to be applied to every relationship we have.

The sows in the parable represent each of us.  The two sister sows show how we can walk, eat, live together in peace and harmony.  They also demonstrate how problems arise when we separate ourselves and begin to focus on our own lives and agenda.  We become arrogant, selfish and demanding and fight for our way, disregarding whoever gets in our way, even our sisters and brothers.

Why did the two sows that never knew each other live in harmony?  They understood their weaknesses.  Each one had a sore hoof.  The awareness of their weakness brought humility and submission.  Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:30, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weaknesses.”  

In chapter 12 of 2 Corinthians, verses 7-10, we read, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

We all have many weaknesses and imperfections, but why do we push and shove and fight for our way?  It is because we do not accept the one important weakness.  Without Jesus, we are sinners going to hell.  We are nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing without Jesus.  We are sinners saved by grace!  This is why it says in Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:  Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

We are to love, accept and forgive others just as God has offered love, acceptance and forgiveness to us even though we don’t deserve it.  We may be nothing without Jesus, but we are God's children with Him...but so can anyone else. Let us not allow the focus on ourselves fight those around us, but let us live in peace and harmony with everyone.  It would do well for each of us to take this to heart.  Let those who have ears to hear listen.

Chris