August 12
Psalms 103:8
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Mara welcomed her sister and did everything in her power to make her feel at home. In return, Dani complained about everything and tried to take over. She bossed Mara around, arranged the house to her own liking, and imposed her opinion on the way Mara raised her two boys. Mara took it all in stride, with a smile on her face. No matter how grave the insult, Mara never waivered in her hospitality. The bonds of sisterhood overcame even the hardest of times, and love gave her the strength of character she needed.
God puts up with an awful lot from His creation. We turn ungrateful hands toward the Lord, always expecting more. We often insult him by the way we regard His world and all the wonderful things in it. Thankfully, He is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy, for we test Him constantly. We can learn from God's long-suffering patience with His children, and in turn we can share the same compassion and caring with those around us.
Prayer: Make me merciful and caring, Lord. Help me to improve my attitude toward others and You. Do not allow me to take for granted the great gifts You give. Amen.
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