On that day twenty-five thousand Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant fighters. But six hundred of them turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months. The men of Israel went back to Benjamin and put all the towns to the sword, including the animals and everything else they found. All the towns they came across they set on fire.

Judges 20

On that day twenty-five thousand Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant fighters. But six hundred of them turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months. The men of Israel went back to Benjamin and put all the towns to the sword, including the animals and everything else they found. All the towns they came across they set on fire. v46-48

Just as the Israelites confronted the Benjamites, we must confront sin in our lives - in our church and in our family of believers. How can we be a light to others if we allow sin to pervade our lives?

See also posts here and here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You lived a perfect, sinless life - yet You willingly laid down Your life so that I could have life to the full - including freedom from the sting of sin and death and eternity in heaven with You!  What an amazing act of love - I cannot even fully appreciate it.  I am grateful for such a gift - yet undeserving.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.

Galatians 6

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. v1

I often am righteous in trying to help Lisa in her walk with Jesus.  I must lead by serving and by being more gentle.

Dealing with others' sin is also referenced in Matthew:

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that You deal with me gently...certainly more gently than I deserve.  I am grateful for how gentle You are and for all of the ways in which You bless me.  I am not worth such love and blessing Jesus.  I am selfish, righteous, impatient, etc.  Forgive me for such sin and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal her and cure her.  Help me serve and lead Lisa, Zach and Dustin.