Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.
Reading: Matthew 5:38–42
Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.
Jesus calls us to break the cycle of retaliation by responding with grace. This doesn’t mean being passive but choosing to reflect God’s mercy. When we extend grace, we mirror the heart of Christ, who gave Himself for us while we were still His enemies.
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
- Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).
- Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Jesus, thank You for showing me grace when I deserved judgment. Help me reflect that same grace to others, even when it’s hard.
- Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.
Take Action:
- Identify a situation where you’re tempted to retaliate or speak harshly. Choose a grace-filled response instead.
- Do an intentional act of generosity or kindness for someone this week, especially if it’s inconvenient.