APPEARANCES

LEVITICUS 25:14 (ABP)
When neighbors are buying or selling from one another, make sure no one feels cheated.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:21 (ABP)
We're not only concerned about doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord, but we also want to avoid the appearance of scandal in the eyes of others.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We bend over backward to do what's right and to do it in a way that isn't misinterpreted by others as improper.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your concern over fairness. I want to do right in your eyes but I'm not nearly so interested in maintaining appearances for my neighbors. Help me to be as concerned about their well-being as I am about my own. Help me to recognize how my actions might become a trip hazard in their faith. Yes, I recognize that I can't please everyone but I also see that there are ways I can nurture peace. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.