Today's Verse - Matthew 18:15

If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

—Matthew 18:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The right thing to do can also be the very hardest thing to do. Many of us find it much easier to gossip about someone who has wronged us than to obey Jesus. But one thing is the right thing when we have been wounded by the action of another brother or sister in Christ. Jesus commanded us to go to the person who has wronged us, try to keep the damage contained to just the two of us, and work on being reconciled with each other. Satan lives in the festering and poisonous places in our hearts where unforgiveness and resentment reside. God's desire, and what should be our goal as his children, is reconciliation that is personal, face-to-face, and genuine. Our desire to be reconciled to our offending brother or sister "for whom Christ died" (Romans 14:15-16; 1 Corinthians 8:11) must be stronger than our desire for revenge or getting even. Redemption must be our motivation, and Jesus' commands must be our guide!

My Prayer...

Oh, LORD God Almighty, forgive my foolish and selfish ways. Please give me the courage to lovingly confront - or better yet, "carefront" - those who have sinned against me. If I cannot bring about reconciliation, help me through the power of your Holy Spirit, to forgive as you have forgiven me. In Jesus' name, and because of his atoning sacrifice for both my sins and their sins, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies ... She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

—Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Give honor to whom honor is due is what Paul commanded the believers in Rome to do (Romans 13:7). Giving proper honor is important. We must give godly women the honor they are due, and doubly so to those who are godly mothers, whether their motherhood is physical or spiritual. Proverbs demonstrates this by devoting an entire chapter to the principle of honoring godly women (Proverbs 31:1-31). Paul also emphasized the vital role women played among the believers in Rome as he closed his letter to them, and dedicated much of chapter 16 to honoring them. He named ten women who made significant contributions in leadership and service to the Kingdom of God that are worthy of respect and honor (Romans 16:1-16). Paul also emphasized to his apprentice, Timothy, the vital role his mother and grandmother played in shaping him to become a man of God with sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5). So, dear friends, let's make sure we praise the key women in our lives, families, and congregations today!

My Prayer...

Father, I want to thank you for the women of character and grace, tenderness and fire, love and tenacity, who have helped shape my life. Thank you for the ways they helped me know your Scriptures, know Jesus, demonstrate faithfulness, and find, follow, and faithfully serve you. Please bless them this day. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse - Colossians 4:5-6

Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

—Colossians 4:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When presented with an opportunity, we choose to do and say kind things because Jesus has called us to that. He challenged us to be salt that adds savor and preservation to the world's hopelessness and decay (Matthew 5:13). He called us to be light that casts out the world's darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). We are committed to acting in ways that are kind and beneficial to others, especially with our speech. We pray for opportunities to be kind and encouraging because we want what we say to benefit others (Ephesians 4:29). This verbal kindness is an indication of the Holy Spirit's presence (Galatians 5:22-23) as the Spirit conforms us to our Savior's kindness and character (2 Corinthians 3:18). This kind of salty speech - not the profane, crude, and coarse speech often identified as salty talk - is an intentional effort to treat others with gentleness and respect because we want them to know our hope in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15-16). Let's make the most of every opportunity to say good words that bless others and lead them to Jesus!

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My Prayer...

Father, please forgive me for the careless words I have uttered this week. I understand that these careless words are sins in two ways. First, it is a sin because I said unkind and hurtful things. And second, it is a sin because I wasted an opportunity to be redemptive and helpful with my speech. Open my eyes, dear LORD, so that I can better see those people you have placed in my path to bless and encourage. Through the blessed name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.