Scripture:
Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
– Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
It is easy to become preoccupied with what others may think and say about us. Being focused there removes our eyes from Jesus and puts them on us and our need for adoration. Solomon in his wisdom gave us good advice: don’t focus on everything that people may say about you. Be honest about your judgment and slander others. Keeping our own sin before we help ourselves, offer grace and forgiveness to others, and not take life or people’s opinions too seriously.
Prayer: Father, I confess that I am too concerned about other people’s opinions of me. Help me become more aware of my sin against others so I may offer grace and keep focused on You and not other people’s opinions.
Petition: For us to become an honest community that freely loves and forgives. For us to spend more time in personal confession and less time proving ourselves to one another.