August 30

Today’s Reading - Matthew 5:23-26

Thought:

Part of being a faithful child of God is found in taking care of our relationships with others. God desires that we treat others with kindness and compassion and show the love toward others that God has shown toward us and all people. This is, admittedly, sometimes a challenge as we face our own imperfections and the shortcomings of others. To patiently and lovingly forgive others and to humbly ask forgiveness of our wrongdoings is often a difficult thing to do. But what Jesus wants us to realize is that our relationships with others have an indelible effect, not only on our physical lives, but also on our spiritual well-being and relationship with God. The feelings, thoughts and motives with which we view our earthly relationships have the ability to enhance or hinder our worship, our prayer life, and our faithfulness to God. Thus, Jesus teaches us to take those relationships seriously and to take care of them, understanding that they are related to our all-important relationship with God.

How have your relationships affected your spiritual life?