Mark 3:5a

"... He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts," 

'My Jesus felt so many human emotions, some at the same time and ones that I thought were never compatible. He felt sorrow, joy, compassion, laughter, mourning, indignation and much, much more. He experienced all I've experienced or ever will. But here, God, I see that He was angry at the Pharisees who tempted and tested Him. More than that, I suspect He was incensed by their attempts to appear holy when indeed they were as filthy rags in their hearts. Yet their hypocrisy also caused Him to grieve over the hardness of their hearts. He wasn't just sad; no, He was grieved.

Father, You take no joy in the destruction of the wicked. (cf. Ezekiel 18:23) You desire that all be saved. I thank You that You're this way because it helps me to stay humble. Your compassion and passion for all, which doesn't negate Your wrath or Your judgment, keeps me on an even playing field with those who are and are not Christians. Assist my efforts to remember this today God.

I also pray that You'd forgive me of my hypocritical behavior when I desire others to perceive that I'm righteous when that acknowledgment of righteousness is due only to You and your Son, Jesus. The approval of man is a powerful force, one to be reckoned with. Help me recognize it when it rears its ugly head in my heart today. And when Your Spirit pricks me to be conscious of this temptation, may I look to the heavens and see my Savior with scars who bore Your wrath for my sin that I might not sin anymore.

Thank You, God, that You forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. (cf. I John 1:9) I confess them all to You now, both known and unknown.'