An Angel Visits Joseph

Matthew 1:18–21

In mercy, Joseph did not call for the Law’s harshest penalties on the wife he thought unfaithful (Deut. 22:13–21). Depending on the offense and its circumstances, while the church is always called to discipline, it is not always required to exact the harshest penalty. Applying God’s Word rightly involves much prayer. Matthew Henry wrote: “Were there more of deliberation in our censures and judgments, there would be more of a mercy and moderation in them.”

For further study:

Lamentations 3:58

The Bible in a year:

Genesis 17–19