We have a choice--to seek gratification
at the expense of the other person,
or to rejoice in the other's success,
even if it comes at our own expense.
If we are strong, we have another
choice--
to become angry at the failings of the
weak,
or to put up with them, not to please
ourselves,
but for the purpose of building up the
weaker one.
Search me, O God, try me and know my heart,
and lead me away from all wicked ways
and into your way everlasting.
Lectionary Readings
Ps. 103; 150;
117; 139
2 Sam. 13:1-22
Rom. 15:1-13
John 3:22-36
Selected Verses
Ps. 139:23-24
Search me, O
God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
2 Sam. 13:16
But [Tamar] said
to [Amnon], "No, my brother; for this wrong in sending me away is greater
than the other that you did to me." But he would not listen to her.
Rom. 15:1-2
We who are
strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up
the neighbor.
John 3:29b-30
"…The
friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the
bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my
joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." [John the Baptizer to his disciples]
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