January 8th with Judy Mattis

The reading is about the story of Jesus and the tax collector, Matthew, as mentioned in the scriptures of Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5. The purpose of these stories is to encourage disciples to show mercy to others. Jesus taught about being merciful and urged them to develop the ability to forgive and be kind, even to those who have wronged them. By being kind, it can eventually lead to forgiveness. Jesus showed kindness to tax collectors and others who were rejected by religious leaders. Asking Jesus for help in being kind to those who have wronged us can lead to forgiveness. This is the January 8th reading for the Vermilion Valley Vineyard Devotional Book, Walking with Jesus, Insights from Judy Matys. The scriptures that have been given to me are found in Matthew 9 verses 9 to 13, Mark 2 verses 13 to 17, and Luke 5 verses 27 to 32. All three of these talk about the story of Jesus and the tax collector, Matthew. The purpose of these stories is to encourage the disciples to show mercy to others. There were several meanings for the word, mercy, in the dictionary, as I read how Jesus taught about being merciful and He urged them to develop an ability to give and receive mercy. The dictionary's meaning that seemed to fit what Jesus is encouraging us to do, is to develop the power to forgive or be kind, sometimes being kind to someone who has wronged you, can lead to forgiveness. Through my many years of living, there's been times when I felt the need for forgiveness, sometimes wanting it from others and sometimes needing to give it to others. Since studying these scriptures, it has shown me that being kind can lead to extending forgiveness. Jesus showed kindness to the tax collectors and the others, who were ostracized by the religious leaders. I believe if you ask Him for help to be kind to those who have wronged you, it could eventually lead to forgiving them.