23 Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”

² Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. ³ But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”

⁴ Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”

⁵ “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”

Acts 23:1-5

Dear God, I guess it is time for me to do a little repenting. At least, according to what Paul indicated here. There are only a handful of times I can remember Paul apologizing for something, but this is one of them. And apparently Paul felt very strongly about not speaking evil of any of your rulers. His actions here supports what he says in Romans 13:1-5. I don’t think there is any American who has not broken this…what do I call it? Rule?…this rule over the last 10 years. No matter which end of the political spectrum you’re on, including dead in the middle, I would venture to say that all of us have done it. I certainly have.

Interestingly, I don’t really have a hard time with this concept in my immediate life. Well, no, I can’t even say that. As I sit here this morning, I can think of a few people to whom I owe more respect than I’ve probably given them.

Father, yes, this is something I really need to repent to you about and also do better. Much, much better. Whether it is politicians at a national, state, or even local level, or anyone else who has some amount of authority over me or my community, or even people without authority but are simply your loved children, I need to be better about how I speak about people. Including those who are actively opposed to things I am doing or to whom I am actively opposed. I need to do better. I need to see them with your eyes. I need to pray for them. I need to find your role for me in the midst of what they are doing. I need to walk with you in ever way, including this one. I am sorry for my carelessness in this area. I truly am.

I pray this to you in the grace offered me through Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen