Devotionals for September 5, 2023
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READ
Psalm 145:8-9
8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
Luke 23: 33-34
33 When they came to a place called The Skull,[[e](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23&version=NLT#fen-NLT-25935e)] they nailed him (Jesus) to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”[[f](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23&version=NLT#fen-NLT-25936f)] And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
Luke 23: 33-34
33 When they came to a place called The Skull,[[e](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23&version=NLT#fen-NLT-25935e)] they nailed him (Jesus) to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”[[f](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23&version=NLT#fen-NLT-25936f)] And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
REFLECT
In the message this week, we learned that anger toward the lost, those who do not have a relationship with Jesus, is not only a misplaced attitude but counterintuitive to the gospel message. Our God is merciful, compassionate, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He is good to everyone. Jesus perfectly demonstrated His mercy, compassion, and love on the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Jesus looked at His accusers through the lens of His purpose and had compassion and mercy on them. He was certain that if they genuinely knew Him, they would not be doing this. I believe Jesus’ cry for forgiveness in that moment was not just for those who physically nailed Him to the cross, but for all mankind, as we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus desires all to come to repentance. The merciful, loving, and compassionate attitude of our Lord should also be our attitude toward the lost.
APPLY
Q: Take note of the attributes of God found in the passages above. Which one resonates the most with you? Why?
Q: How will you apply that attribute this week toward the lost within your circle of influence?
Q: What fruitful ripple effect do you think you will have as you interact with the lost in a loving, compassionate, and merciful way?
Q: How will you apply that attribute this week toward the lost within your circle of influence?
Q: What fruitful ripple effect do you think you will have as you interact with the lost in a loving, compassionate, and merciful way?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Search me God and know my thoughts. Test me to reveal any offensive way in me and then lead me in mind and heart according to Your will.
Search me God and know my thoughts. Test me to reveal any offensive way in me and then lead me in mind and heart according to Your will.