Today's Readings: New Testament -
Matthew 17:1-13
Hebrews 9:11-28
Old Testament -
Proverbs 26:1-16
Isaiah 42-43
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Prov. 26:4-5
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
Insight:
It does no good to confront foolish behavior with foolish behavior. Foolish behavior, however, cannot be ignored; it must be addressed in appropriate and mature ways. Failure to confront foolishness will result in foolish people assuming that their foolish ways are paying off. Knowing when and how to confront foolishness is something a wise person learns to do well.
Response & Action:
I must be careful to respond appropriately to the foolishness and immaturity I see in others. I must deal with it and confront it in a mature, measured, thoughtful, loving, and godly way. I must guard against knee-jerk reactions that are as wrong-headed and useless as the foolishness I'm confronting. Patience, forbearance, and Christian concern should guide my response toward the foolish choices, words, and deeds of others.
O God, give me the wisdom and humility I need to confront foolishness in myself. Give me the grace and kindness I need to confront foolishness in others with compassion and care. Give me the courage to speak and act with redemptive love. Give me the integrity to address my own sin before addressing the sin and frailty of others. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 7:3-5
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Resources:
Making Judgments Without Being Judgmental: Nurturing a Clear Mind and a Generous Heart
by Terry D. Cooper
