“Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? Or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put an hook into his nose? Or bore his jaw through with a thorn? Will he make many supplications unto thee? Will he speak soft words unto thee? Will he make a covenant with thee? Wilt thou take him for a servant for ever? Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens? Shall the companions make a banquet of him? Shall they part him among the merchants? Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? Or his head with fish spears? Lay thine hand upon him, Remember the battle, do no more. Behold, the hope of him is in vain: Shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? None is so fierce that dare stir him up: Who then is able to stand before me? Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.”
Job 41:1-11 KJV,https://bible.com/bible/1/job.41.1-11.KJV
A Look in the Mirror
As humans, our default setting isn't exactly selflessness. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but judge others by their actions. We can be quick to accuse without first looking in the mirror.
But Jesus calls us to live differently:
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 NLT
Often referred to as the “golden rule,” it’s a brilliant litmus test for discerning how to respond to people in the face of hardship, uncertainty, and pain.
Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives:
WHEN SOMEONE HURTS YOU...
Think: Have you ever hurt someone, either accidentally or intentionally? And when the mistake was made or realized, did you want to be screamed at and given a harsh consequence, or did you long for grace and a second chance?
To the extent that we forgive, we are forgiven. So what if, today, we give others the same grace, compassion, and mercy that ...