Today's readings are Psalm 3, Deuteronomy 3:1-29, and Matthew 7:1-12.
Our reading today in Matthew 7 is important when we consider conflict resolution. Verses 1-5 may easily be summarized to say we are to put the best possible construction on other people's actions and the worst on our own. Are we quick to consider what we may have contributed to a conflict? Or do we automatically consider ourselves as flawless? What about the person we're likely to criticize? Do we realize that someone may have had a thousand reasons to show anger to us, and that we probably provided some of them?
What encouragement do we find as we seek to do good to others, to bring them healing and grace in times of conflict? At the end of the Gospel reading we are reminded that we who are evil give good gifts to our children. Our Lord, who is good and perfect gives perfect gifts to his children. These gifts include reconciliation with God, life, peace, and an everlasting hope. Without a doubt, as we ask our Lord Jesus for his good gifts, in faith, we will receive that peace and reconciliation without measure.
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