Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

July 19: 2Kings 17; 2Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3

Scripture: James (NIV) 3:7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 with the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

Observation: People who believe that God created man in His image and likeness should show it in the way they talk to and about other people. To curse or speak evil about a person who bears the image of God dishonors God. No wonder Jesus told us to bless those who curse us. (Luke 6:28)

Application: To speak kindly of those who mistreat me does not justify their actions; it shows I also needed forgiveness and that the Great Forgiver now lives in me. I see that they too are created in God’s image and that image is to be respected.
Those guarding the entrances to the military bases where I was stationed always came to attention and saluted whenever a car entered with a gold bumper sticker indicating it belonged to an officer. They did it even if the officer was not present in the car. How much more should I respect the image of God seen in each person?

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize your image in each person I meet today. Remind me to treat them with respect. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!