Mathew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
Jesus speaks here in response to the disciples question "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (v. 1). This whole secton seems to be about how we treat other people: Don't cause others to sin (v. 6); Forgive your brother (v. 15-35). And here, God diligently seeks out the one lost little sheep (v. 12-14).
If someone is irritating you, you may need to do a heart check. That "little one" is precious in the eyes of God. They may be acting out because of some past hurt. Try to understand. Encourage and call to account: "admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thes. 5:14). You might be better to have a great millstone fastened about your neck and be thrown into the sea (v. 6) than to offend one of these little ones.
Oh God, grant me to be patient with them all. That I might be humble like a child. I have been forgiven much. Grant me a big, generous heart toward others.
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
Showing posts with label human relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label human relationships. Show all posts
Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
People vs. Religion
Matthew 15:5-6 But you say, 'If anyone tells his father or his mother, "What you have gained from me is given to God," he need not honor his father.' So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. (ESV)
It is interesting that God's command valued people (the parents) whereas the Pharisee's tradition valued religion above people. So much so that if one made a religious vow they were accordingly allowed to ignore/violate one of the 10 Commandments. Thus Jesus' indictment that they valued their tradition more than the word of God. To be sure, our allegiance to God ought to exceed our allegiance to men (humans - Luke 14:26), but 6 of the 10 Commandments are concerned with horizontal relationships (i.e. with our fellow man/human).
Brad, there are things that God does require of you. But don't let the word of God become void to you in respect to what He requires of you in human relationships so that you can fulfill religious duty or obligations.
God help me to see. You make relationship a priority. So ought I. Let my time spent with You flow out into blessing for others I encounter. God grant me disciples, if even I am worthy of such.
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
It is interesting that God's command valued people (the parents) whereas the Pharisee's tradition valued religion above people. So much so that if one made a religious vow they were accordingly allowed to ignore/violate one of the 10 Commandments. Thus Jesus' indictment that they valued their tradition more than the word of God. To be sure, our allegiance to God ought to exceed our allegiance to men (humans - Luke 14:26), but 6 of the 10 Commandments are concerned with horizontal relationships (i.e. with our fellow man/human).
Brad, there are things that God does require of you. But don't let the word of God become void to you in respect to what He requires of you in human relationships so that you can fulfill religious duty or obligations.
God help me to see. You make relationship a priority. So ought I. Let my time spent with You flow out into blessing for others I encounter. God grant me disciples, if even I am worthy of such.
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
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