WEEK 8, DAY 3: Have Mercy on Me, a Sinner
Our News and Media articles today are filled with stories of tragedies, loss, and pain. For our part, it’s easy to see or read a news article about a murder, a robbery, or any number of crimes and think to ourselves, “I would never do that. What were they thinking?”
Yet this way of thinking is far more judgmental than we may realize. When these kinds of thoughts come our way, it’s important to ask ourselves, “If I lived that person’s life, and experienced everything they’ve experienced, would I have made a different decision in that moment?” The reality is that we don’t know, and it’s quite possible that we would make the exact same decision.
During the Roman Empire, those who had the job of a Tax Collector were pretty much looked upon as the scum of the earth. Tax Collectors were notoriously ruthless, and would often charge more than the appropriate amount so that their earnings would be higher. People pointed at Tax Collectors regularly thinking, “I would never do that!” But by doing so they were neglecting to realize that their judgmental behavior was just as offensive to God.
READING & JOURNALING:
How regularly do you find yourself looking at the negative actions of others and thinking, “I would never do that?”
“If you lived that person’s life, and experienced everything they’ve experienced, could you know for certain that you would’ve made a different decision in that moment?”
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I am more like the Pharisee in Luke 18, saying, “I’m glad I’m not like that person over there!” I’m continually growing to realize that this attitude is a sinful one, and is not the attitude You have called me to have. Have mercy on me, a sinner. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: 2 Kings 22 & 23
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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