Year of the Bible: Part Eleven of TwelveSmakprov

Check Yourself Did you know faith becomes more effective when we treat others with the same love and grace we've received from Jesus? In today's reading, Paul encourages Philemon to move past revenge-seeking and instead forgive because that act of forgiveness would increase his faith's effectiveness and expand his ability to share the gospel. An opportunity to forgive or show mercy to someone is a chance to demonstrate the genuineness of your faith. You can freely give what has been given to you each day: mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Jesus has equalized the entire human race and given you a template for placing others' interests ahead of your own. Question: Before forgiving or serving someone, do you check to see if they deserve it? If yes, why? Prayer: Jesus, cleanse me from my judgmental attitude. Purify my eyes and teach me to see others with eyes of mercy, reflecting the light of grace. You have shined on me upon everyone I meet today. In Jesus' name, Amen!