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Bible Readings: Ephesians 5:1-6; Psalm 5:5-12


Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight before me.  Psalm 5:8

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.   Ephesians 5:1-2

 

“How do you do it?” 

This is maybe a question that we have asked someone after observing them deal well with difficult people or situations.  We ask, perhaps in part, because we feel that we may not be able to offer what they could in similar situations. 

“How do you do it?”

  • How do you offer mercy when I would want to get payback?
  • How do you have patience when I want to just give up on the relationship?
  • How do you love when I want to hate?

Facing his own enemies, David prays, “Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness” (show me how you do it – guide my actions and reactions). The Apostle Paul directs all of us to follow God’s lead, to “walk in the way of love”, because Jesus loved us even when we were his enemy.  And so we pray today:

Heavenly Father, teach me how you do it.  Teach me how to love even those who are difficult to love.  Teach me your grace and mercy.  Show me how to live in a right relationship with others as I also learn to live in a right relationship with you.  Amen.