Pause, compare the situation with a biblical example, and notice the need behind it

Treat the surface details as enough and move straight to a verdict

Assume the passage only gives rules, not an example to learn from

Ignore human need and focus only on being right

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and lived with my own way instead of yours. I need your mercy, and I cannot save myself. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust you as my Savior and Lord. Give me a humble heart that listens to your word and follows you. Amen.

Lord Jesus, Teach and Save Me

Lord, revive your Church with a fresh love for your word and a tender heart toward people in need. Make us quick to listen, slow to judge, and eager to remember what you have said. Let us be corrected by you and become compassionate like you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Your People in Humility and Mercy

Thank God for: a Savior who asks honest questions; a word that can search our assumptions; examples from the past that teach wisdom; a heart that can become more humble and compassionate.

Grateful for a Word That Corrects

Pray by naming one situation where you feel tempted to answer too quickly, then ask God to help you remember his word, notice the need underneath, and speak with patience.

Pray Before You React

Lord, provide food for those who are hungry today, and open our eyes to people whose need we have not seen. Move your people to notice, share, and help with compassion, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

For Those Who Are Hungry

Bring these to God: humility when his word questions you; patience before you judge; compassion for people whose actions may flow from need; willingness to learn before speaking.

A Teachable and Tender Heart

ὁ{ho###hoh###He} δὲ{DE###DEH###(but)} εἶπεν{EE-pen###EE-pehn###(he) said} αὐτοῖς·{af-TEES###ahf-TEES###to them} Οὐκ{ook###ook###not} ἀνέγνωτε{a-NEG-no-te###ah-NEG-noh-teh###have you read} τί{TEE###TEE###what} ἐποίησεν{e-PEE-ee-sen###eh-PEE-ee-sehn###(he) did} Δαυὶδ{dav-EED###dahv-EED###David} ὅτε{HO-te###HOH-teh###when} ⸀ἐπείνασεν{e-PEE-na-sen###eh-PEE-nah-sehn###he was hungry} καὶ{KE###KEH###and} οἱ{HEE###HEE###those} μετʼ{met###meht###with} αὐτοῦ;{af-TOO###ahf-TOO###him}

Matthew 12:3 — Source TextTAB

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