Words of Encouragement October - 19 - 2003
Do you want a clear, simple, straightforward word from the Lord today? That's what Zechariah gives us. He reminds us that God wants us to be fair, compassionate, caring, without prejudice, and tenderhearted to those in need, and to give each other the benefit of the doubt. In other words, he wants us to treat each other like Christ treated people. Why? Because we can't be right with God and be wrong with people!
The reading is from Zechariah 7:9-10.
9 "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, 'Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.'Let us Pray.
Loving Father, please forgive us for the times we've gotten bogged down with hard-to-understand verses in Scripture and ignored your clear teaching on how to live. Please give us the opportunity this week to live like you have commanded us. In the future, when our hearts grow cold or our response to others is not what it should be, please use your Spirit to bring to our remembrance this passage so that we might live it to your glory.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.