SOAP Notes

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May 27, 2008
Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8

S: Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

O: Solomon lays out seven things despicable to the Lord. Paul gives us hope despite them.

A: Easy enough today. What of the hateful things do I have?

1. Haughty eyes: am I arrogant, snobbish, or scornful? Yes.
2. Lying tongue: I try earnestly to be honest, which makes it even more obvious to me when I’m being dishonest. Most of my lies are those of omission; I avoid saying the truth or a lie and let silence tell the lie for me. Is that any less a sin than speaking falsely? No.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood: I don’t kill. But in a million ways every day I fail to act to protect life, or to stand up for what is right. I don’t feed the homeless, I don’t clothe the cold, I don’t provide for the orphan. When I leave them in the cold, I might as well take their lives, since I’m not giving to them in times of need.
4. A heart that devises wicked plans: Yes, that’s me. I catch myself plotting things that aren’t right. No grand capers, just little things here and there which I know better than to do. I rarely fall into sin; I usually scheme it out in advance.
5. Feet that run rapidly to evil: when a chance to do something naughty but fun arises, how often to I run the other way?
6. False witness who utters lies: I think of the list I manage to do well here. I see this as spreading untruths about others. I think I’m good at holding my tongue in that regard.
7. One who spreads strife among brothers: I also think I’m good at trying to maintain harmony and order, though I do catch myself sometimes drumming up some dischord.

But, thankfully, God’s love is still there.

P: God, help me to see those moments when I’m preparing to fall short, and to step back from those instances. Help me to focus on your love, which will always be there for me as long as I accept it and act in accordance with it. Amen.