Pentecost 16, Sunday, September 13, 2026
Devotion in Preparation for Worship
Genesis 50:15–21; Romans 14:1–12; Matthew 18:1–20
“Living Together Under God’s Grace”
As we prepare for worship this Sunday, these three readings point us toward an important truth: because God has shown us mercy, we are called to show mercy to one another.
In Genesis 50, Joseph’s brothers are afraid that Joseph will finally take revenge for the terrible things they had done to him. But Joseph reminds them that what they intended for evil, God intended for good. Joseph does not deny the wrong they committed, but he refuses to let that wrong control his response. He trusts God’s greater purpose and responds with forgiveness and kindness.
Romans 14 brings that same attitude into the life of the Christian community. Paul warns us not to judge one another over matters that are not central to the faith. Each of us will stand before the Lord, and Christ—not our personal preferences—is our judge. This doesn't mean that truth doesn't matter. It means that we should be careful not to turn our opinions and preferences into reasons for condemning our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Then Matthew 18 reminds us that humility is at the heart of life in Christ's Church. Jesus places a child before His disciples and teaches them that greatness in God's kingdom is not about status or power. It is about humility. He calls His people to care for the wandering, confront sin when necessary, and seek reconciliation and restoration.
Together, these readings ask us to look honestly at how we treat one another.
• Do we hold on to old hurts?
• Are we quick to judge?
• Do our preferences become more important than our relationships?
• Are we willing to forgive, seek reconciliation, and humbly receive correction?
The answer begins with remembering what God has done for us. We have been forgiven in Christ. We have been rescued from our sin, not because we deserved it, but because God is merciful.
As we prepare for worship, let us come with humble and grateful hearts. Let us lay aside our grudges, our judgments, and our desire to be right. Instead, let us rejoice in the grace of God that has been given to us in Jesus Christ—and ask Him to help us extend that same grace to others.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Give us humble hearts that are ready to forgive, slow to judge, and eager to seek reconciliation. Help us trust Your purposes even when we do not understand them. Keep us faithful to Your Word and united in Your grace. Prepare our hearts for worship, that we may receive Your gifts with joy and live as Your forgiven people. In the name of our Savior Jesus, Amen.
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