Today’s Reading: Exodus 22:28; 23:1-2, 7-8; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 5:20; 16:18-20; 17:8-20; 19:15-21; 21:22-23; 24:16; 25:1-3

How about a tip on reading these tough sessions?

I find that I read it the message first. Then, I pray to God which section speaks to me today. God is so gracious and usually points out one or two verses that really hits my mind. Then, I just concentrate on one or two verses solely. I find it so much easier to think about one or two verses, rather than 3 pages of many details. I am not sure if this is even a “right” way to read, but as long as we read the bible and pray about it as to how it applies to our lives today, I am sure that God will be pleased about us.

My verse(s) is “Do no pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.” I find it interesting because I tend to give mercy or compassion to those in challenging circumstances, whereas I do not particular feel any favouritism towards those in “better” circumstances in life. In this verse, we are not to be partial to one or the other. That’s tough! Then, what does it mean “pervert”? Under an English dictionary, it means to lead astray morally, to turn away from the right course, to lead into mental error or false judgment or to turn to an improper use or misapply. So “do not pervert justice” means “do not misapply justice” or “do not lead astray morally”. Then, if we feel partial to the poor, that may be considered the pervert justice! Then, what do we do? “judge your neighbour fairly” Here is my problem! What does that mean by “fairly”? We all have our ideas of “fairness”, but rarely we agree. Then, the only fairness we could rely on what God says “fairly”. Alas, God does not define his “fairness”, though (yes, I checked via biblegateway.com). Then, I usually go with the biggest command from God – love God with all you are and love your neighbour as yourself. “Judge your neighbour fairly” can translate to ME as “how do I want to be judged, since I am to love my neighbour as myself?” In other words, let’s put myself into their situation first. How do I want to be judged? I bet that I would be so kind to me; what about you?

Someone told me, “if you have an affair outside of your wedlock, it is an illicit affair; if I do it, it is a romance.” That’s how we tend to judge everyone around us. So before we judge anyone or any circumstances, why not pause one moment to put yourself into that situation or in that’s person’s shoes? Would I want to be judged in the way I would judge? If not, how would I want to be judged?

I am so grateful that I have my God who will judge me much more fairly than I would ever do and that God would always have great mercy and grace upon me on all actions I have taken and will take in my life.