Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
January 19, 2022
Read Luke 6:37-42
7 “Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.” 39 Jesus also told them a riddle. “A blind person can’t lead another blind person, right? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? 40 Disciples aren’t greater than their teacher, but whoever is fully prepared will be like their teacher. 41 Why do you see the splinter in your brother’s or sister’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother or sister, ‘Brother, Sister, let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ when you don’t see the log in your own eye? You deceive yourselves! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s or sister’s eye.
Good Morning! Forgive and you will be forgiven!
It is interesting to consider how easy it is to find fault in someone else, but all the while not seeing a similar fault in yourself. I believe that one of our human frailties is the tendency to judge others. Because God created each of us as unique beings, we all see and do things differently. This is one of the reasons that the community of faith is strong. Each person gives to the group through their own gifts.
However, this very thing that strengthens us also presents the possibilities of judgment by our imperfect selves. We see the gifts of someone else, and we want some of that gift too. This is not to say that we are unhappy with our own gifts, but within the dynamic structure of our family, we secretly yearn for the gifts of another. Just like children, while we inwardly wish for the gifts of others, we outwardly state our disproval of those gifts.
This theme of acceptance is woven throughout the New Testament as Jesus teaches us to love one another. Let those who are without sin, throw the first stone. For most of us, this is a lifelong challenge. When someone does something the “wrong” way, show mercy. We must work to remember that we are all God’s children and as such, we all belong, we are all special, and all gifts are equally necessary for the supporting of one another.
Creator God, Thank You for loving us. You made each of us in your image, but uniquely different. Help us see Your love within all of Your children. Instead of judging one another, may we learn to embrace our diversity and grow in love and strength. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When I am frustrated with others, I will focus on God’s love for them.
We are uniquely blessed! Pastor Liz
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