February Day 19

Leviticus 11-13 - God didn't want them to eat the meat of certain animals, but told them not to even touch the dead carcass.  This is a picture of how we should treat sin.  We shouldn't see how close we can get, but rather keep our distance from sin.  In Leviticus, God wants his people to understand his Holiness, and that he wants them to be holy - to be set apart from sin.  I think it is also interesting that his guidelines are good guidelines for maintaining good health as well. 

Psalm 41 - God takes care of those who take care of the poor.  God will protect me from those who present to be my friends, but only speak poorly about me behind my back.

Matthew 15:15-35 - Offenses should be dealt with in a personal, private manner first between the people involved.  Then if necessary, bring others into the conversation to help resolve the situation.  The point of the process is always full restoration.  The way we forgive should be a reflection of the forgiveness we have received.  God showed us mercy so that we would know how to show mercy to others.  Unforgiveness is a sin and is a prison of pain for the person who refuses to forgive. 

Acts 25:13-25 - It is interesting that those who were not the religious people in this story recognized Paul's innocence, while the religious leaders made false statements against him.  It is a bad sign when the "world" has a better moral compass than the church.