Today’s scripture: Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:32 (NRSV) (NLT)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two before reading on.
My thoughts (David Squire):
Unless you’ve spent the last week under a rock, you’ve heard about the horrible massacre of the Amish school children. As I was reading about this, this statement just stopped me in my tracks:
…an Amish neighbor came to the house [of the parents of the killer] and wrapped his arms around the father of the dead gunman.
“We will forgive you,” the man said.
I’ll admit I don’t understand the Amish people and the ways they keep. I’ve probably been a little amused by their rejection of technology. But when I see this expression of faith, I feel a bit like Job — I’m taken aback in reverent awe. I shut my mouth, I can say no more.
Thought and prayer for the day: God, please release your Spirit on all who have been hurt by this tragedy. Help us — who can only observe from afar — to learn from this man’s example of forgiveness.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.