A WORD FOR TODAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2021

A WORD FOR TODAY

HELP YOURSELF AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS

_Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.(1 Timothy 1:14)_

_*There is no one who has not enjoyed the grace of God especially that of mercy and forgiveness for all our short comings. Indeed everyone can testify that the grace of God has been abundant,  together with his love.*_

_This mercy and grace we have received should be extended to others when dealing with them. It is said that it is easy to excuse ourselves when we do wrong and not others because we can readily see the reasons why we did what we did but cannot see the excuse of others since we do not walk in their shoes._

_*Forgiving and accepting people as they are does not mean that we are encouraging their shortcomings and annoying sides. It simply means that just like God our loving father, we are looking beyond the fault and giving a chance, opportunity and support to the other person to change and live better.*_

_It is however morally unfair to demand perfection from others when we ourselves are obviously imperfect. We must therefore try to be patient with the failings of others . It is not easy, but God will help us. In this way we will not be the hypocrites Jesus speaks about in the Gospel today._

_*Do not begin to castigate others as a judge and point accusing fingers at them while you are guilty of the same sin you accuse them of. First, work on yourself and remove the log in your eyes and you will then see clearly and have the moral authority to correct another person and help them to become better.*_

_The journey of helping others be the best they can be must begin with you making yourself be the best you can be. It is only when you have conquered your weaknesses that you will be in the best position to help others who are weak to become strong just as you have become. Know yourself, accept when you are wrong, stop blaming others for your fault, however, rise, conquer your weakness and become a good help and assistance to others who may be passing through the same difficulty as you did._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊 as you do your work and do have a splendid day. Go about today with gratitude and consciousness that God has forgiven you. Do have a wonderful day. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14/Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11/Lk 6:39-42

*Watch-Word:* You are my inheritance, O Lord.

*Despite all our weaknesses, God has been kind to us and has forgiven us. We must never forget this when we are dealing with people especially those with obvious short comings*

(Friday of the twenty third week in the ordinary time, year 1)