WEEK 16 – DAY 2

NEVER NEGLECT JUSTICE AND LOVE

But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Luke 11:42 (ESV)

What did Jesus describe as more important than meticulously following the law and traditions? What are the most essential elements of following the Lord? Jesus emphasized “justice and the love of God.” The Prophet Jeremiah quotes Father God as describing Himself as embodying these attributes. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” To exemplify the qualities of love, justice, and righteousness is to emulate the character of God. Justice and love being practiced by His children is what truly brings God great pleasure and brings glory to His Holy name. Jesus did not say that people would know we belong to Him by our attention to the details of the Law. He said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Justice and Love – If you belong to Jesus, you are already filled with His Holy Spirit and are empowered to show justice and love. Are you diligent to exemplify these Christlike qualities as you go about your day to day business? Are there ways you can improve in loving God and loving others? Think of some specific ways to show love to others this week, write them down, and do them!

Father, we pray that Your Holy Spirit flowing through us demonstrates love and justice to others. May we grow to be more and more like Jesus in these two attributes.