December 15th – Matthew 7:1-12

December 15th – Matthew 7:1-12

Spend some time meditating on grace. Then, come back and read the commentary, my verse, and my response to God.

• Request God’s help.
• Read Matthew 7:1-12
• Record a verse that stands out to you.
• Respond to God.

Come back and read the commentary when you’re done.

In chapter seven, Jesus shifts the focus from the internal to the external. How we treat other people is very important in the Kingdom of God. Don’t condemn or sentence someone based on the Law because that kind of thinking dismisses the work of Jesus on the cross. It is by grace we have been saved!

However, I would have judged Saul of Tarsus if I were alive when the first Church was conceived. I would have said there is no earthly way that man could be saved. But God had other plans for Saul/Paul, didn’t He? Instead of condemnation, Jesus tells us to take the log out of our eye. Each of us has sin that needs to be dealt with. Like the Jewish Priests in the Old Testament, we, too, must be cleansed by the blood before entering the Holy of Holies.

Then there is verse six. Immediately after telling us not to condemn, Jesus allows us to discern. Don’t condemn someone to hell; instead, be discerning. If a person has no interest in the things of God, don’t waste your time sharing your faith. Pray for them, yes. But leave the pearls for someone who will receive them with joy.

How have you been able to discern when to cast your pearls and to whom?

My Verse: Matthew 6:7: “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.”

My Response: What a wonderfully mysterious sentence. Like a beloved child, we can ask God for anything. But when we ask God for something that will bless another, that must please Him above anything else. We are here on earth to be a light and share Christ with lost people. Otherwise, we could go to Heaven right now. What do the asking, seeking, and knocking look like?

Still, God reminds us that He is a good Father who loves to give us good gifts. He won’t trick us with a stone or a snake when we ask for bread and fish. He will care for our physical needs but focuses on the heart. I picture Him looking at me softly with an encouraging smile, then saying, “Come, ask Me, Marlene. Come to Me, sweetie. I love giving you good gifts!”

Father, thank you for being nearby. You are a good Father, and I fail to ask You because I forget how faithful and good You are. Now, I pray for those around me who do not care about You. Please pursue them and open their hearts to Jesus. Give me a heart of compassion for them. Help me remember to treat them with kindness and love regardless of how they treat me. I ask for an opening to talk about You and share my testimony. I ask that You be glorified. In Jesus name, Amen.