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Today’s Reflection
We often avoid acknowledging our own sin by blaming others. . . . Scapegoating encourages us to avoid our own responsibility. Unfortunately, this unwillingness to look honestly at sin is not limited to secular society; it also deeply afflicts the church.
—Gayle Carlton Felton, Mark Stamm, By Water and the Spirit, Revised Study Guide: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism
(Upper Room Books, 2026)
Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0926 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*
Today’s Question
How have you seen sin within the walls of the church affect its members? How can Christians return to a better path? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all of the dough?
—1 Corinthians 5:6 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
O God of grace, as I am washed in the waters of baptism and in the blood of Communion, make me clean and pure before you. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Lectionary Readings
- Exodus 14:19-31
- Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
- Romans 14:1-12
- Matthew 18:21-35
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
*Offer valid through October 15, 2026.
