2020 Daily Devotion - Day 152

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Pastor Bruce Larson once said, “Most of us get into trouble because we judge other people by their actions, and ourselves by our intentions. And, of course, our intentions are always good. How much of all my relationships would improve if I could attribute good intentions to those who hurt me, and at the same time hold myself accountable for my actions, no matter how noble my intentions?”


During this period of COVID-19, there have been times when we didn’t get along well with others; even people in our own families. Pastor Larson makes a very important distinction. We need to give the grace to others which we ourselves have received. In other words, “what goes around comes around”. What we give to others is often what comes around to us.
Here is how the Lord Jesus put it: 

Matthew 7:2 NIV
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, sometimes we hold others to a higher standard than we do ourselves. This is a part of our broken sinful condition. Because of Jesus Christ, we have received Your grace. Help us to give away to others the grace we have received from You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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