The Daily Office for May 24, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 105:1-22
Zechariah 4:1-14
Ephesians 4:17-32
Matthew 9:1-8
Reading (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Reflection
That church down the street from yours is a little different, isn’t it? They may not quite have it right. In fact, they could really be messing some people up. Another one is too emotional. Another is too rigid. Another is too liberal. And the one across town is just way too boring.
Do you ever have thoughts like this? You know some of the other Christians in your neighborhood or community, but you have them “pegged” according to your understanding of their church or denomination. In fact, some of them may not even really be Christians, you think smugly. At least not as good a Christian as you are. You may not even realize that you have such thoughts.
Christian love has no room for judging others. If you say you’re a believer but reject another Christian, you’re revealing your own ignorance and lack of true faith. Other Christians may be hard to get along with. That’s just a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore them, say negative things about them or treat them as enemies.
Collect for the Day
God of mercy, who inspired John and Charles Wesley with zeal for your gospel: grant to all people boldness to proclaim your word and a heart ever to rejoice in singing your praises; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.