[After Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees about healing on the Sabbath,] the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.
—Mark 3:6 NLT
When we get into a defensive posture toward those who disagree with us religiously, we can very quickly find ourselves looking to destroy their argument, destroy their faith, and even destroy their reputation. The Pharisees and the supporters of Herod were bitter enemies. Yet their common hatred of Jesus brought them together to plan what is evil. Hatred and a hard heart go together. Both lead to death — not necessarily the death of the target of our hate, but our own spiritual death. When we find ourselves siding with others who dislike us and when we find ourselves scheming to do what we know is evil, we must immediately be open to God and ask him to change our ways. We must seek his wisdom and his insight into the situation.
Holy and righteous God, please guide me into your truth. I want to honor and serve you with my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I don't want my religious passions to be used to lead me astray. Even more, dear Father, I don't want my religious passions to cause harm to anyone, especially those who are seeking you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 3:6 NLT
Key Thought
When we get into a defensive posture toward those who disagree with us religiously, we can very quickly find ourselves looking to destroy their argument, destroy their faith, and even destroy their reputation. The Pharisees and the supporters of Herod were bitter enemies. Yet their common hatred of Jesus brought them together to plan what is evil. Hatred and a hard heart go together. Both lead to death — not necessarily the death of the target of our hate, but our own spiritual death. When we find ourselves siding with others who dislike us and when we find ourselves scheming to do what we know is evil, we must immediately be open to God and ask him to change our ways. We must seek his wisdom and his insight into the situation.
Today's Prayer
Holy and righteous God, please guide me into your truth. I want to honor and serve you with my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I don't want my religious passions to be used to lead me astray. Even more, dear Father, I don't want my religious passions to cause harm to anyone, especially those who are seeking you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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