Day 51

Leviticus 12-13 | Romans 13:8-14:12 | Psalm 22

Psalm 22:6 stands out today:

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.”

David felt utterly weak. Small. Unnoticed at best, rejected at worst. And I get that.

I don’t think about my scars much—until I notice how others react to them. And then, suddenly, I do think about them.

There are the ones who see my hand and immediately ask, What happened?! But they don’t really listen to my answer.

Instead, they make it about themselves: Oh man, I remember when I poked myself with the tip of a knife! It was crazy! Or You should’ve had a SawStop! My cousin has one. Would’ve saved your fingers.

Then there are those who say nothing at all. Like the woman who sat next to me in church last Sunday. She spent the entire service sneaking glances at my hand, side-eyeing it like it was some strange museum artifact—but when the service ended and I shook her hand, she didn’t ask a single question.

And then, there are the ones who respond with grace. They see it, politely ask what happened, and then—more importantly—ask how they can pray for me. They don’t try to fix it, one-up it, or ignore it. They acknowledge my scars with kindness and offer to help however they can.

And that’s what Paul is talking about in Romans 14.

A Lesson in Grace

Paul spends this chapter urging the church not to judge one another over differences in conviction. Some believers eat meat; others don’t. Some regard one day as more sacred than another; others see every day alike.

But here’s the point:

“Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls.” (Romans 14:4)

We don’t all see things the same way. We don’t all respond the same way. Some are stronger in faith; others are weaker. Some pray with eloquence; others with stutters or simplicity. Some ask awkward questions; others don’t ask at all. Some are quick to give unsolicited advice; others are quick to offer grace.

And I have a choice:

I can look down on those who don’t respond the way I wish they would. I can judge their ignorance, their awkwardness, their self-centeredness.

Or I can extend the same grace I’ve been given.

A Hand That Points to Christ

When I see my scars, I don’t just see my story—I see God’s faithfulness in them.

And when people notice my hand, I want my response to reflect that. Not frustration. Not self-pity. But patience. Humility. Grace.

Because that’s exactly what Christ has extended to me.

“Let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (Romans 14:13)

Lord, help me walk in grace today. When others don’t respond the way I want, let me respond the way You want. As You continue to soften my scars, soften my heart too. Amen.