Daily Bible Reading – July 2023, God’s Saving Word: Mercy and ForgivenessНамуна
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.
Scripture
About this Plan
Daily Bible Reading is designed to facilitate consistent interaction with Scripture. It includes background information on each day’s Scripture passage, key verses for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, and prayers to help you connect to God and be of spiritual support to others. Journey with us this month as we explore the theme, “God’s Saving Word: Mercy and Forgiveness.” [Scriptures are quoted in the GNT.]
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