1 JOHN 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

TO PONDER

Families are tough. Often, the bigger the family, the harder it is. There’s almost always one relative we don’t get along with, an uncle, aunt, sibling, nephew, niece, or in-law who rubs us the wrong way. How often do we dread that family reunion when we are forced to “play nice” and not to cause a scene when they aren’t extending the same grace to us? 

The family of God is the largest family there is. Our own Lutheran branch of that family numbered 77.5 million in 2019, and our individual congregations can be anything from the tens to hundreds. How are we all expected to get along? 

The Word of God and the Holy Spirit encourage us to be graceful, merciful, and patient. If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and when we stumble, remember that the precious blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. As we hear from Colossians 3:13, let us live:

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

PRAYER:Lord, Heavenly Father, I humbly admit that I don’t always show others the grace, patience, and forbearance I ought to. Jesus Christ, forgive me and help me to also forgive others. Holy Spirit, encourage and guide me to live in a way that is pleasing in your sight. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Anthony Fawcett, St. Paul's Sydney & on loan to LifeWay Westside