A Few Choice Words | April 21st

  “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?”

  Mark 3:4

 Beloved, the question from Jesus to the Pharisees was in two parts. The first portion concerned the man with the withered hand; the second, Christ Himself. Would they recognize Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, the Son of God, or would they reject Him to the point of trying to kill Him?

 Their hearts had become so hard that there was no room for divine grace. The problem of a hardened heart still exists today. It is the root of many arguments and divisions among people. Unfortunately, it is not just a problem in society or politics but within families, the church, and marriages.

  It is when a person becomes so concerned about being right in their mind or having their way that there is no room for grace. Now, this was not the only problem the Pharisees had, but in relation to those who profess to be followers of Christ today, our pride and hardened hearts keep us from showing mercy. We become so intent on proving that we are correct, we spare no words, regardless of how sharp they are. We cut others down and wound them in the name of truth, which sometimes is only our opinion or something far less.

  Let us seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to fill us with mercy and temperance, so that the compassion of Christ is evident in our actions and speech. May our words be seasoned with grace, offering comfort and edification to those around us. Let us strive to live for the glory of God today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight