Journey to the Cross

Pause

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7:12, NRSV

Listen

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

Think

Words matter. My three-year-old daughter is in the habit of repeating everything I say. Lately she has been saying “I’m sorry” for things that are not her fault. I realize like most women, I apologize more than I need to. She’s been picking up that habit from me! Now I try to only use the words “I’m sorry” when I have truly hurt someone and need to reconcile.

How did you speak this past week? Were you angry or harsh with someone? Did you tell your parent or sibling or significant other that you loved them? Did you give in to the temptation to spread that rumor, or did you shut that rumor down? Words matter.

Take a moment today to reflect on your words. Who in your life needs to hear you say, “I love you”? Who in your life needs to hear you say, “I’m sorry”?

Susan Sytsma Bratt

Pray

Dear God, thank you for the gift of language. Give me ears to hear your words of love and lips willing to share that love with those I encounter today. Amen.

Go

Go out into God’s world in peace.

Have Courage.

Hold onto what is good.

Return to no one evil for evil.

Strengthen the fainthearted.

Support the weak.

Help the suffering.

Honor all people.

Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.