S.O.A.P. Devotion 2018-12-04
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
SCRIPTURE:
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 ESV
OBSERVATION:
This is a short, but powerful verse. It is what we call the “golden rule” which has us do unto others as we would have the do unto us. Doing the same thing and in the same way. It begins in this translation with “so” and in other translations with “therefore” linking it to the previous passage. I summed up that passage in my previous devotion: “Ask for what we wish; seek for what we miss; and knock for that from which we feel ourselves shut out. Then let the father respond!”
The last part of the passage says “…for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Although it is never said in these words, this is given as a summary expression of what the law and prophets required. I would include that this is written in the hearts of man since other cultures have similar sayings.
APPLICATION:
This passage seems to be used most often in the context of judging others, but verse two covers that already. Looking at this in the context of ask, seek, and find, we see that the Father would not give us a snake if we asked for a fish. In that same way when someone asks something from us, we should place ourselves in their shoes and respond appropriately. It could also be applied inversely in that we should not ask from others what we would not want them to ask of us.
PRAYER:
Father, let me be sensitive to the needs of others in the same way I feel my own needs. Let me not only do unto others as I would have them do to me, but let me also not ask of others what I would not have asked of me.
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