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 important matters of the law- justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
These words from Jesus are for all of us, not just the Pharisees. As a product of my transformation, I hope for behavior and attitudes that reflect my walk with God. I would like for others to know, when they are with me, that I follow Jesus. Do my choices and my behaviors always fully reflect these important ideals: justice, mercy and faithfulness?
Father God, you have shown me many ways to practice mercy. Sometimes I don’t see the opportunities, or I ignore them. I will try to pay attention, and will try not to let my own feelings get in the way. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Matthew 23:23 The story of the good Samaritan is the perfect example of mercy. The priest and Levite were more worried about their cleanliness, which enabled them to enter the temple, then they were about showing mercy to a bleeding, wounded man. They not only didn’t help, they distanced themselves by crossing to the other side of the road. There is the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. No law should keep us from showing mercy. Prayer: gracious God. Thank you for this reminder of the importance of mercy above all else. Amen 
Matthew 23:23
Even if we will not admit it, being perfect causes a lot of stress on each and every one of us. God does not expect us to be perfect. This is precisely why he sent Jesus to save us and gave the Holy Spirit to help us in our daily lives. Jesus had some very harsh words to the Pharisees because they were hypocrites, in attitude and behavior. They taught others what to do, but did not do what they themselves taught. It is a human condition when people who think they have no faults, easily find faults in others. Knowing I need mercy and patience from God, strengthens me to give the same to all others. …
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.
This verse makes me think about my actions. Do I do things for show, or do I do things for God? I will keep in mind to always show mercy and kindness to all and a faithfulness to God always. To learn to be humble and feel good about myself is a great lesson that I am learning as I learn more about Jesus.
Dearest Lord, give me the grace to always…
Matthew 23:23
Unyielding legalism is not justice. Limitless indulgence is not mercy. Jesus seemed to have more contempt for the first problem. Could it be that His love for fallen humanity came with compassion for our bent to sin where as judgmental, nit-picking people are spiritual frauds, using strict obedience to laws of their own making as a substitute for transformation? It is a great deal easier to count out all our mint seeds and set aside a tenth for an offering than it is to show mercy when it is within our power to do so. It is the person who strives for justice and mercy in equal measure who is moving closer to a true imitation of Christ.