Day 357.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (Hebrews 12:14, 15 ESV)
Well, it looks like the Mayans got it wrong, or all of those interpreting the Mayans interpreted it wrong. Since we’re still here, let’s make sure no one fails to obtain the grace of God. For the people in the church that means several things. 1) Strive for peace. Be careful not to stir up gossip or neglect or offend. 2) Be willing to confront when necessary. Ignoring ongoing sin in a brother’s life does the body of Christ no good. Unrepentant sin is an unwillingness to receive the grace of God. 3) Display and proclaim the gospel so that no one who belongs to God but has not yet put faith in Jesus will gain that opportunity. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God. 4) Be quick to forgive! Don’t let bitterness spring up in you because you feel hurt or offended, and don’t let bitterness spring up in anyone else because you have held a grudge.
Lord, it is hard to be self controlled when offended or belittled or demeaned or disrespected. It is hard to confront others in their gossip. It is hard to strive for peace! But in Christ I know I can do all things, so please Lord, fill me with the Spirit of Christ that I might propagate the grace of God.
