Psalm of the Day: Psalm 65
Wisdom of the Day: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
Scripture Reading: Luke 5:33-39
We should observe how gently and tenderly Christ would have His people deal with young and inexperienced Christians. He teaches us this lesson by two parables, drawn from the affairs of daily life. He shows the folly of sewing "new cloth on an old garment," or of putting "new wine into old wineskins."
Let us settle it in our minds, that grace must have a beginning in every believer's heart, and that we have no right to say a man has no grace because it does not come to full ripeness at once. We do not expect a child to do the work of a full-grown man though he may one day, if he lives long enough.
In the same way, we must not expect a new disciple of Christ to show the faith, and love, and knowledge of an old soldier of the cross. He may by and bye become a mighty champion of the truth. But at first, we must give him time.
There is great need of wisdom in dealing with young people about religion and, generally speaking, with all young disciples. Kindness, and patience, and gentleness are of the first importance. We must not try to pour in the new wine too quickly or it will ruin the wineskins. We must take them by the hand and lead them on gently. We must beware of frightening, or hurrying them, or pressing them on too fast. If they have only got hold of the main principles of the Gospel then let us not set them down as godless, because of a few lesser matters. We must bear with much weakness and infirmity in those who are only babes.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to me gracious and loving to other believers.
Action Plan: Before I criticize or complain about another Christian, list what I have do to help them mature in Christ.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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