Respecting Others

Scripture – Amos 1:6-8: This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Gaza, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because she took captive whole communities and sold them to Edom, I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza that will consume her fortresses. I will destroy the king of Ashdod and the one who holds the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn my hand against Ekron, till the last of the Philistines is dead,” says the Sovereign LORD.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In this second prophetic statement, Amos follows the same formula as in the first: “For three sins…even for four, I will not turn back my wrath.” Then he describes the sin of that area. Here he points to Gaza – a city to the southwest of Israel. They apparently made a practice of capturing whole communities of people and selling them into slavery. They had little regard for the effects their decisions had in the lives of other people.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Today we see it more and more – decisions made in a board room aimed at pleasing investors result in the disruption of thousands of families of everyday workers. It seems clear to me God doesn’t like that. We are called to treat all people well. I will be intentional about how I treat the people I see today. I will give them respect and honor. I will be aware of how my actions may affect their lives.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me good eyes and an open heart today. Help me see the people I encounter. Show me their faces. Fill me with your love and understanding as I speak with them. Thank you for your grace in my life.