Father, either my neighbor is deceived or I am.
I don’t believe I am, but I also know I’m not immune
to deception. After all, Jesus said, “false
messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to
deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
So, Father, I must open
myself to that possibility. Like the disciples around the table at the Last
Supper, I must ask, “Is it I?”
Father, if so, reveal the
truth to me. Let me be humble enough to admit my folly. May I repent so that I
may speak truth and walk in truth.
But Father, if my
neighbor is deceived, may I be patient and gentle. Let me remember that “our
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” But please, Father, for
my neighbor’s sake, reveal the truth to them and let them also be humble
enough to admit their folly. May they also repent and speak truth and walk in
truth.
And Father, it is
possible—even likely—we are both wrong, at least partly. If so, may we come
together in love and humbly seek truth together. May I listen to the truth they
can teach me. May I boldly and kindly speak any truth I can pass on to them.
Finally, Father, for
those who deliberately practice deceit for their own gain, may they see your justice
and grace in this life. May justice break their hearts so they may turn away
from lies with sorrow for the abuse they have done. May they fall upon the
grace afforded to them by the death and resurrection of Jesus. May they confess
their wrongs, so that they might be cleansed and walk in your ways. May they
see your justice and grace in this life, that they may avoid your justice in
the next.
Do this, Father, in the
name of Jesus.
Amen
