God's not dumb--but He is patient

Isaiah 58-60, Ephesians 5:1-17

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:6-7

God was angry with people who went to the Temple and did all the right things, but even while they did so they would cheat their workers and fight with each other. What He wanted from them and from us is to help those around us in need. These verses force me to look at my life and wonder how faithful I am. God’s patience and His love for us is amazing. We have hope, not because we do the right things but because God refuses to stop working in our lives and He daily pours out His grace on us in Jesus. So, isn’t that what He wants from us – to love others as He loves us? Think about it!