20th. January. 2021. Daily Devotion.
6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. ~ Galatians 6:1
There is nothing more embarrassing than when someone we know is caught out doing something wrong. We read about such things in newspapers every day. Reputations are spoiled or ruined, and individuals become pariahs or the objects of disappointment and gossip. What should the Christian response be?
The first thing is always to remember that we are all accountable to God. Hold yourself accountable before you hold others accountable. “Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41).
We should thereby learn to place ourselves in the position of someone who has slipped. When we recognise our own vulnerability, and it may be in an entirely different way, we may sympathise rather than condemn. If we are at all spiritual, then we are called to deal gently with people who fail or fall.
Lord, give me the grace of gentleness with others. Amen.
For the Presence of God
O God be present with me always, dwell within my heart. With thy light and thy Spirit guide my soul, my thoughts, and all my actions, that I may teach thy Word, that thy healing power may be in me and in all the saints of thy church universal. Amen. ~ by Philipp Melanchthon, 1550
To Lay My Suffering at Jesus’ Feet
Lord Jesus, you call me to live every aspect of my life in your presence, and so I come before you as I am. With the myrrh that the wise men carried I bring, too, the pain and sorrow and suffering that I have experienced. I lay them before you because they are all part of who I am. I ask that good may come from whatever negative things happen to me, knowing that nothing can ever separate me from your love. Amen.
For Purity of Speech
O God, who knows well how often I sin against you with my tongue; Keep me free from all untrue and unkind words; consecrate my speech to your service; and keep me often silent, that my heart may speak to you and may listen for your voice; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Prayers in time of Coronavirus
You call us to speak to you in prayer– even when the places we would usually go to are not available. Help us to know you Spirit’s presence wherever we pray.
Today we especially pray for those who are living in fear – give them your strength.
For those who have not yet realised the urgency of the situation – protect them, and all of us from harm. Today I especially want to pray for …….
In the name of Jesus. Amen
“As we deal with the practicalities of protecting people from coronavirus, we continue to remember Our Calling to care for the other whilst always being mindful that is that our call is always to respond to the good news in Jesus. We are a people of hope we need to declare and model good news in these difficult times.” Rev’d Paul Wood, UK Methodist Minister.
