What Jesus Did! 'Justice and Love' — Luke 11:42

Friday, August 2, 2019

[Jesus said,] "What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things."
— Luke 11:42 NLT
Illustration of Luke 11:42 NLT — For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God.

Key Thought

Jesus reminded the Pharisees, and us, that tithing is important. They shouldn't neglect their tithes. However, tithing down to the minute detail isn't the ultimate issue in giving. Working to ensure that justice and God's love are a part of our personal lives and our world is crucial. The reason we are generous is that our Father is generous. The reason we are loving is that God has loved us. The reason we work for justice is that God works justice for the oppressed. We want to be about our Father's business and living out our Father's character. Tithing is one aspect of living for the Father. Love and justice are the heart of it!

Today's Prayer

Father, help me not lose sight of the forest for the trees. I confess that I sometimes get so caught up in my personal responsibilities to give that I lose sight of why you call me to be generous and loving. Give me a heart that works for justice for the oppressed, downtrodden, forgotten, and marginalized. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
  • Malachi 3:5
  • Isaiah 1:17

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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