Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 17:3-4
We've talked about the procedure to use if a fellow follower has sinned against you (Days 144 & 145). Here Jesus emphasizes that we also need to forgive them over and over and over and over. That's not always easy – especially for repeat offenders!
Read Luke 17:5-10
The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. First, He said our faith should be like a mustard seed. We talked about the mustard seed on Day 105. Even though it is small, it knows that it must put down roots first before it tries to grow upward.
Now let's look at the second part of the answer. Jesus tells a parable and asks a question.
The servant is obedient and works hard all day. When he comes in at night – will the master act like it was a big deal? Or will he say, there's still more work to do?
I believe Jesus is saying that faith is something we gain by being obedient, and then by continuing to be obedient, and continuing to be obedient, and continuing to be obedient, etc.
Faith doesn't grow when we are obedient occasionally or when it is convenient. Faith grows steadily as we practice obedience day by day. It grows one hour at a time – as little-by-little we develop the habit of obeying the Holy Spirit instead of SELF.
In His service, dale
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