Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, September 13, 2022
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
The writings in scripture do not always affirm everything we do. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul’s tone had taken a radical shift from the other letters he wrote to early Christian communities. What’s important to recognize is that his admonishment was done out of love for the sake of the community.
I remember (not necessarily with fondness) the way my mother used to reprimand me when I was little. Children often don’t know right from wrong. Sometimes to make the correct behavior stick, an admonishment is necessary. What I also remember, though, is that my mother gave me many chances to learn and always loved me, no matter what.
I think the key for any person when we ponder this subject is that sin has consequences, and those consequences often hurt others as much as they hurt us.
Thanks be to God for second, third, and fourth chances! Thanks also to those who care for us enough to show us the errors of our ways.
Correct me when I’m wrong, O Loving Parent – I need your guidance. Amen.
