Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Luke 6:34-38
by: Renee Sanford.
When a homeless person approaches and asks for money, how often do you think, “Oh, they may just spend it on drugs, alcohol or some other pleasure.” We conveniently forget that we do the same—spending much of our income on our pleasures. We easily slip into harsh criticism and judgment of others’ actions, while simultaneously putting the best possible spin on our own. We rejoice when we avoid the consequences of missteps. Yet we can be remarkably smug and vindictive when others pay the penalty for their misdeeds. Lord, help us to extend mercy to others—even in our thoughts.