And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
The LORD tells us to avoid giving scandal to little ones and to always be ready to forgive others. We need faith to do these things. Faith allows us to have the wisdom of God to act in ways which don't enable or provoke sinful behavior in others. Faith allows us to live a life sufficiently consistent with the gospel, that, while not perfect, is evidently still striving in that direction, rather than mere hypocrisy. Faith compels us to offer forgiveness to others even when our emotions are raw and when even to think about them and what they've done is the last thing we want to do. Faith gives us the wisdom we need to see from God's loving point of view. He loves all of us and wants all of us to share in his love.
Love justice, you who judge the earth;
think of the Lord in goodness,
and seek him in integrity of heart;
Because he is found by those who test him not,
and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him.
Let us seek the LORD. We may feel like our faith is not sufficient. We might feel like we just can't be good examples to others and that we can't offer forgiveness when it matters. Moving actual mountains often seems easier than moving the mountains within. This is honesty is a good starting place. We pray, "I believe, help my unbelief!" (see Mark 9:24). With a solid base of faith we are able to receive the wisdom we need to walk in the ways of God.
For the Spirit of the Lord fills the world,
is all-embracing, and knows what man says.
It is this wisdom which guides us along the everlasting way. It is this wisdom that knows us through and through and still shows us the way to holiness.
Even there your hand shall guide me,
and your right hand hold me fast.
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