Not Always As it Seems
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you… —Matthew 7:12
A Different Type of Prayer (author unknown):
"Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester. Remind us, Lord, that the scary-looking fellow, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares. Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together."
It’s been said, “You never know enough about a situation to truly be angry.” So often, we jump to conclusions instead of looking beyond the situation at the heart of the matter. As children, the Golden Rule was said in our classrooms, teaching us to be fair and nice. As adults, we now teach the next generation this same phrase. Treat others the way you want to be treated. But do you truly act this way? Or is the Golden Rule just a looming phrase and a nice idea?
The words of Matthew 7:12 are the words of Jesus. These words are building blocks of compassion and kindness. God shows us this kind of love every day. What can you do today to show an act of mercy or goodness? As Christians, it is important to treat others the way Jesus would treat them…you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever misjudged a situation? What happened? What was the result?
2. How can you make an effort today and every day to be an example of God’s mercy and goodness?
FURTHER READING:
Luke 6:27-36; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-15
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