Today's Verse - Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

—Ephesians 4:32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Be kind and compassionate? These two qualities seem to be in short supply these days as we look at social media, politics, and people's personal agendas. Maybe it's because we hold up the wrong heroes? Maybe it is because we haven't let the Holy Spirit rule in our hearts? Unfortunately, kindness and compassion are two qualities often seen as signs of weakness rather than strength. To forgive as God forgave us requires great courage and great strength, two resources the Holy Spirit can supply if we pray for that strength, and pray for that strength in our brothers and sisters (Ephesians 3:14-21). So, let's pray for each other to be strong and courageous, and display those qualities through our kindness and compassion! Let's forgive each other, as God in Christ has forgiven us.

My Prayer...

Holy God, there is no way I can adequately thank you for sacrificing so much to forgive me and lavish me with your loving compassion. Today, I ask the Holy Spirit to help me as I pledge to be more like Jesus: to share more of his kindness and compassion with those who have wronged me. Father, please forgive them. Today, I ask you to help me forgive and release my bitterness toward _____________. I also ask that you bless each of those people with your kindness and grace. By the power of the Holy Spirit, and because of Jesus' example, I pray to grow in these graces of kindness and compassion, forgiving others as you have forgiven me. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.