Devotionals for September 13, 2022
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READ
LEVITICUS 19:13-18
“‘Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.
“‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.
“‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD.
“‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
“‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
“‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.
“‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
“‘Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.
“‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.
“‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD.
“‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
“‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
“‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.
“‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
REFLECT
How about that for a bunch of “Do-nots”? As a culture, we cringe when others tell us not to do things. But in this case, the list of do-nots showcase God’s heart: His compassion. His justice. His mercy. And we want us to reflect that as His image. This beautiful passage, which Jesus drew from the Gospels, adds some color to what God means by “love your neighbor as yourself.” It takes acts of justice, kindness, and mercy.
APPLY
Q: Which of the “do-nots” resonated with you or caught you by surprise? Why?
Q: Which of the “do-nots” do you feel you struggle with the most? What does this reveal about your heart?
Q: How can loving your neighbor as yourself also reflect your first love for God?
Q: Which of the “do-nots” do you feel you struggle with the most? What does this reveal about your heart?
Q: How can loving your neighbor as yourself also reflect your first love for God?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, your Kingdom is full of light and love. It is justice and mercy overflowing. Please overflow my heart with your Holy Spirit to love my neighbor as myself. Amen.
Lord, your Kingdom is full of light and love. It is justice and mercy overflowing. Please overflow my heart with your Holy Spirit to love my neighbor as myself. Amen.