A Daily Devotion for Monday, February 13

Matthew 23:23

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former..."

Jesus reminds the crowd, and in particular the Pharisees, that following the part of the law which is easy for them (tithing) is not enough, and does not take the place of treating others with love and fairness and forgiveness. Justice is a tricky word, because we so often attach it completely to the legal system. But it applies to our own lives every day. When we treat people fairly, and do not show favoritism, we are practicing justice. And when we attempt to right a wrong, to allow more people to have access to what they are being denied, to level the playing field when we can, we are practicing justice. It is a challenge to bring this very complex concept to the everyday of my life.

Holy Lord, help me to make decisions which promote justice and fairness. Help me to see the opportunities I may have, to do this. Amen

Becky, transforming