Luke 1:18-19

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. - Luke 1:18-19

Dear Jesus,

What love your earthly father, Joseph, had that he did not want to expose your mother to public disgrace.  He was so hurt at the thought that she appeared to have been unfaithful and yet he wanted to treat her with love.  Give me that love born out of faith in you that protects others from public disgrace.  Keep me from responding out of hurt and trashing the name of someone who has made life difficult for me.  Help me to work more at covering sin with grace and mercy than getting even with criticism and complaint.  Your parents weren't perfect, but they were a great example to the rest of us.  

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

The righteousness of love is revealed the most in the fray of conflict between people.