Day 2: We Often Make Excuses

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-29, James 1:13-15

Reflection: The “expert in the law” may know what God wants from him, but he also knows that satisfying God means he has to love people he’d rather have nothing to do with. Instead of obeying Jesus, the expert seeks to “justify himself”. While Luke (and the other Gospels) rarely make the Pharisees, Sadducees, Lawyers, and Scribes figures that are easy to empathize with, we have to admit that we often seek to “justify” ourselves too. It is often easier for us as Christians to try to weasel out of upholding God’s commands by technicalities and unlikely interpretations than it is to just do what God wants.

Prayer: See prompt below

Journal Prompt: Recall a time when you did something you knew was wrong (you don’t have to write this down or share it with anyone). Now word a prayer to God, as specific or vague as you feel comfortable, asking for forgiveness. Know that he already knows about this sin, and his love for you hasn’t changed.