““Thus has the Lord of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion, to each other; and do not oppress or exploit the widow or the fatherless, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise or even imagine evil in your hearts against one another.’ But they refused to listen and pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder [stiffening themselves in resistance] and stopped up their ears. They made their hearts [hard] like flint, so that they could not hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 7:9-12 AMP
I had an interesting conversation this morning with some colleagues about my views on some topics that are hot button issues in society today. As we each shared our thoughts, one theme resounded above the others – compassion and kindness for one another – even where and when we disagree. Instead of demanding rights, we found mutual trust and respect.
Imagine how the world would be if we could approach one another in like fashion – if we could listen instead of judge, leaning in with compassion to understand the stories and experiences that made them who they are today. Imagine how easy it would be to respond with love instead of hate if we stopped thinking evil thoughts in our hearts about those who think – or vote – differently than we do. Just imagine what love could do if we let it.
What we experienced on our walk today is what G-d desires of His people. Stop imagining evil – don’t even let the thought enter your heart or mind. Stop it! Show compassion and kindness. Dispense true justice and cease oppression. And above all, love.
If I want G-d to use me and to speak to me, I must respond in the ways He outlines above. There is a correlation between my actions and my ability to hear His voice. Today’s passage is a sobering reminder of that truth. I’m going to take the challenge today to show love and practice kindness today in more intentional ways – care to join me?
Father – thank You for Your Word and for Your mercy. Day after day You speak to me and I am overwhelmed at Your kindness. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Zechariah 1-7
September 21, 2022