Daily Bible Reading – July 2023, God’s Saving Word: Mercy and ForgivenessSample

July 2

Introduction

Today’s reading begins with Jesus’s instructions for handling matters of discipline within communities of faith and reproving one who has sinned. By means of a parable, Jesus teaches that there is no limit to the number of times one is called upon to forgive another.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 18:15-35

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 18:27

“The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go.”

Reflect

Reread verses 15-17. What steps are outlined to initiate reconciliation within a community of faith? Has your community of faith ever had to put into practice such steps? If so, what was the situation? How was it resolved? How did Jesus respond to the question Peter asked (verse 21)? What does his response (verse 22) teach you about God? Compare verse 35 with the words from the prayer that Jesus taught in Matthew 6:12: “Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.”

Pray

Merciful God, each time I sin and confess my transgressions, you offer forgiveness over and over again. Teach me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 18:1-14: Jesus teaches about prayer and about avoiding self-righteousness.