Today’s Scripture

1st Reading — Psalm 32

The Joy of Forgiveness

Of David. A Maskil.

¹ Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
² Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

³ While I kept silent, my body wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
    my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
    and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

⁶ Therefore let all who are faithful
    offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
    shall not reach them.
⁷ You are a hiding place for me;
    you preserve me from trouble;
    you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
⁹ Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
    whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
    else it will not stay near you.

¹⁰ Many are the torments of the wicked,
    but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
¹¹ Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
    and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

2nd Reading — Galatians 5, selected verses

5 ¹ For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

The Works of the Flesh

¹⁶ Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.

The Fruit of the Spirit

^{22 …} the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

One: The Word of God for the people of God.
ALL:     Thanks be to God for the Word.

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