LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Friday 20th May 2022
TREAT PEOPLE WELL
Scripture Reading: Psalm 15
He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; Psalm 15:3
Psalm 15 is a contemplation about the kind of person who experiences God’s presence at all times. Six of the Ten Commandments that express God’s holy, moral law are directed to our actions toward others. In today’s verse, the scriptures instruct on three things we must not do if we want to enjoy God’s presence in all that we do.
• Don’t backbite with your words. To backbite is to slander or tell a false story about someone when the person is not present. Literally, it is taking a bite at a person behind his back. God does not take kindly to anyone who slanders another. In some parts of the Bible, backbiters are listed alongside murderers and immoral people as the vilest of sinners. Those who delight in spreading or listening to tales about others will never know the delight of dwelling in God’s presence.
• Don’t do evil to a neighbour. Jesus clearly taught that loving our neighbors is second only to loving God. It is impossible to love God and hate your neighbour. If we love our neighbours, we will not sin against them in any way. However, it is not sufficient to merely refrain from taking action against someone. This also includes not wishing any ill will toward any individual. Remember, God knows our hearts, so our consciences must also be clear toward our neighbours.
• Don’t reproach your friend. The person who desires to dwell in God’s presence will say nothing that is even questionable about others. He or she is careful not to suggest anything that will bring reproach on another person. Quite the opposite, they will look for ways to edify others and to esteem others better than themselves.
The way we treat others, affects the way God treats us. When we forgive others, He forgives us; when we are merciful to others, He is merciful to us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I yield my tongue to you. Use my words to bring life, healing and edification to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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