God of life, enrich and bless this dear reader in all they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Leviticus 19: 1 God spoke to Moses: 2 "Speak to the congregation of Israel. Tell them: Be holy because I, God, your God, am holy.15 "Don't pervert justice. Don't show favoritism to either the poor or the great. Judge on the basis of what is right. 16 "Don't spread gossip and rumors. "Don't just stand by when your neighbor's life is in danger. I am God. 17 "Don't secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt. 18 "Don't seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. "Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God. (The Message)
The late Rev. Juan Canales, a mentor of mine in ministry, used to love to do baptisms. He would proudly hold the infant in his hands and declare, "The baby looks a little like mother, and looks a little bit like the dad; but this child looks more like God in Whose image s/he was made!" I loved that and could never remember to use it during the times I baptized children. But the truth is, usually if he look like someone, you're more than likely going to act like that someone. In this case, God said to Moses to say to God's people: Be holy because I, God, am holy. Live a life of justice towards others. Treat everyone the same and don't show partiality to the poor or the rich. Judge on what is right. Don't be a gossip and don't spread rumors. Help people out when they're in need. Don't hate those around you. Get things out in the open to settle disagreements. And don't seek to get even or to hold a grudge against others. And the commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Do you look anything like those things that God does and expects us to do? If not, now's a great time to start.
PRAYER: Loving God, I am blessed to be made in Your image. Let my image reflect Yours. Let my word, thoughts and actions reflect Your great love. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
