May 17, 2023

Today's Reading: Luther’s Small Catechism, Ten Commandments: The Eighth Commandment

Daily Lectionary:Numbers 10:11-36; Luke 16:19-31

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16, the 8th Commandment)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Alleluia! Christ is risen!  “Who is my neighbor?” the lawyer asks to justify himself (Luke 10:29). It’s easy to imagine standing up for our friends and family, or someone we have feelings for. But do you think of standing up for the reputation of those to whom you have no connection and maybe even disagree with?

If you see a boy dressed in girl’s clothes getting bullied, would you stand up for him? Certainly, you don’t agree with his behavior, but it’s also wrong for others to mercilessly ridicule another person. That boy is a person who is valued by God, and priced with the precious blood of Christ, so we are to have compassion on him. God sees him as a whole person, not just by the surface of outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7b). Besides, how would we ever witness to other sinners if we, too, push them away?

The Catechism explanation teaches us, “A good name or reputation is important so that each of us may enjoy the trust and respect of others.” Think for a moment how important that is for your own life. With trust and respect, you’re able to make friends, take advantage of opportunities, and show your capability. Take that away, and others will see you only for your faults, be suspicious of trusting you, and lead you to doubt your own abilities. Isolated by this, many people despair and even contemplate suicide.

This is the damage people can do to each other’s reputations, but what are God’s ways? When Adam and Eve sinned, He gave them coverings for their nakedness. Specifically, it was with garments of skin, foreshadowing that such a covering for sin would come at the death of another (Genesis 3:21). We now know and believe that covering for our sins and others is the death of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

In the wisdom of Proverbs, He teaches us, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” (Proverbs 11:13) This is the way of God: not to magnify faults and increase the damage of sin, but to cover a matter for the good of our neighbor. Yes, there are times when the safety of our other neighbors may require us to speak, but those are very specific. Rather than rushing to judgment, rush to the cross, where God has made the covering for the sins of all. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty Father, it is Your gracious will to remove our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west by the atonement of Your Son. Grant us Your heart toward our fellow sinners, that we may deal graciously with them even as you have with us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

- Pastor Michael A. Miller is Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Jonathan Lackey is an LCMS seminarian.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.