"[The scribes and Pharisees] bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. . . . Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you . . . outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." (Matthew 23:4-5,27-28 NKJV)
If I love God with all heart, soul, mind and strength, He will so fill my vision that I am oblivious to condemnation from others—either the religious or the worldly, who are both filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness—and I will seek to please only Him. If I love my neighbors as I love myself, I will appreciate their Creator-bestowed uniqueness. I will not observe any failings with eyes of condemnation, but my compassion will drive me to help them until they know freedom from their burdens.
My Lord and Savior, You have set me free, and I am free indeed. My gratitude knows no bounds. You alone are righteousness. You are perfect love. Please make us all that You are.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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