ZECHARIAH 7:9 (CEV)
So once again, I, the LORD All-Powerful, tell you, "See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another!"
2 TIMOTHY 2:24-25 (MSG)
God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth...
THE ESSENCE
Those representing God take an alternative approach to dealing with troublesome people—an approach characterized by firm gentleness, patience, kindness, and mercy.
DAILY FODDER
Note how these alternative characteristics line up with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-26. This helps us understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that makes this happen.
PRAYER
God, I thank you for being so patient with me. I acknowledge that I'm not so gentle with the idiots I have to deal with. Might your indwelling Spirit give me the ability to gently and patiently listen to all so that your kindness, mercy, and restorative justice might flow through what I say—or don't say. I want to do truth in your way. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Give us enough food for today.
Forgive us our wrongdoing,
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
