That We May Not Offend (Mt 17:27) by Dr. Rich Reich

12 Aug That We May Not Offend (Mt 17:27) by Dr. Rich Reich

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion(FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors..

“But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook,  and take the first fish that comes up.  Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.  Give that to them for me and for you.” ~ Mt 17:27 (full readings)
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Rich’s Reflections:   Today’s Gospel reminds me of the quote, “Wise generals pick their battles.”  Sometimes, we need to give up our rights in order to avoid unnecessary offense, which will inevitably lead to a greater good.  Jesus paid the temple tax, which He did not owe, so that even the hated tax collectors would have the opportunity to accept Him as their savior.  In the reading, Jesus points out that the sons of the king by right are exempt from paying the temple tax.  Since it was God’s temple and Jesus was the Son of God (son of the temple’s owner), He didn’t have to pay the tax.  As ambassadors for Christ, our mindset should be about advancing God’s kingdom rather than exercising our rights.  God is concerned about justice, but it is often through the sufferings from injustice that people see His grace in action.  Remember, Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified to pay the tax for our sins.  When you participate in debates about abortion and women’s right to “choose”, subdue your passion for the unborn and allow yourself to listen and be heard through peaceful discussions.  By not offending the Pro-Abortionist, you may be planting the seeds for future conversion.  * Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Colorado Springs, CO.  Full bio.

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Faith Challenge:  Subdue your passionate feelings against abortion when talking with those who oppose your Pro-Life views so that you may have peaceful discussions with them and plant seeds for future conversion.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Michael My
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Faith Quote:  “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” ~ Mother Teresa
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Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22