7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

— Galatians 6:7-8

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

— 1 Peter 4:17

May the poor and oppressed be treated with justice. May the needy and vulnerable be given their rights.

— Psalm 72:4

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

–Matthew 5:6-7

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

God will not allow people to sin persistently without consequences. His pure and perfect love will not allow that. In mercy, God disciplines His people for their good, calling them to repent and sparing them sin’s further damage. If you are a believer, God actively works in your life to maximize your spiritual growth. We the God’s children need to respond to God’s merciful discipline. God uses sin’s consequences to draw us to repentance. Let’s be always ready to confess and turn from the habit or attitude that rejects or ignores God and His Word.

We may experience issues of justice confronting us regularly. Challenges such as unfair treatment in our careers or communities and the rejection and misrepresentation of Christian value are commonplace. Many forms of injustice, oppression, and suffering fill our world. We live in a fallen world. We truly need to rely on the Lord for understanding, perseverance, and direction to act against and overcome injustice. With the indwelling Holy Spirit empowering us, we learn to reflect God’s heart of mercy for the oppressed and justice for the oppressor. God commissions us to show mercy to the undeserving and bring justice and mercy to our community.