S.O.A.P. Devotion 2018-11-20

Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer

SCRIPTURE:

“”Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”

Matthew 7:6 ESV

OBSERVATION:

In the day this was written, dogs were seen as scavengers rather than pets. They cleaned up the scraps thrown out. So no one gave the best to the dogs. Pigs were wild and known for just rooting in the mud, dangerous, and considered unclean. Trying to put a precious necklace on a pig was useless and risky.

APPLICATION:

This is along the same line as the word from Proverbs 9:7-8 (see below). Our approach to those who would outright reject the message of Christ is different than our approach to those who are possibly receptive. If someone does not want to hear the truth, we should not try to force it on them. It is the kindness of God that leads men to repentance, not us trying to cram it down their throats.

PRAYER:

Father help me to have the wisdom to show kindness rather than correction to those who need it the most.

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“Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” – Proverbs 9:7-8 ESV

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“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” – Romans 2:4 ESV