Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
Matthew 23:1-3
Lord Jesus, help me today to be a person who practices what I preach. I am so compelled to tell the world that You change the hearts of those who give their lives to You, encouraging them to accept You into their hearts. Yet, I realize that I am sometimes not a good witness to Your redeeming and transforming power. Let my words not be just empty words, but instead remind me to live them out by my actions. You have given me everything I need to do this through the Holy Spirit. Continue to remind me to forgive unconditionally, to love unlimitedly, sacrifice unselfishly, and to bless abundantly. When things don’t go my way or people respond to me negatively, compel me to turn the other cheek. When I feel as if I am getting the “short end of the stick” or being mistreated, remind me that You suffered for me and that I am, as Paul proclaimed, sharing in Your suffering, filling up what is lacking in Your afflictions for the sake of his body. It is my desire that when others see me they see You. I want to do the works of the Father even as You did. As You command, enable and compel me to do for Your glory. Amen!