Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Nevertheless on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, June 14, 2019
by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff
I have a hard time with criticism, especially when it comes from someone I love and trust. I just want to go along thinking since they like me, they’ll just accept whatever I do without question. But the truth is that I’m far from perfect, and the people I let down most often are those people I love most.
It’s the same here with Paul. He feels strongly that the Christians worshipping in the church he planted in Rome are “full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.” Yet his letter speaks quite boldly about areas in which they are messing up. Clearly there are areas for improvement in this Christian community, and they need to hear what those areas are.
The only way I can move toward the life God wants me to lead is to recognize the places where I fall short. And if I don’t hear from others where those places are, how can I work to change for the better?
What’s most important for me is to remember that just because I am not perfect doesn’t mean that I am not lovable. The people in my life don’t love me any less when I mess up, and God loves me completely no matter what.
Loving God, help me to acknowledge my errors and work toward the life you want me to lead
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