When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant and the baby was not his, he had so many reasons to back out of the wedding. Even after the angel intervened and spoke today’s Scripture to him, he could have said, “This is going to be way too hard. I’m done.” But he was an honorable man, committed and loyal. He walked back into the relationship when others would have walked out.

In your relationships, there may be times when you have good reasons to get out. Someone’s let you down and done things that hurt you deeply. It was wrong. Nobody would fault you if you walked away. But when you’re committed, you show great mercy when others don’t deserve it. A true friend is there to care for others when they fail. Sure, there are reasons at times for why a relationship must be ended, but don’t make bailing out a pattern when others let you down. God honors people who will be their best when someone else is at their worst.

Father, thank You for calling me to be someone who loves at all times and is committed to the people You put in my life. Thank You for the great mercy You’ve always shown me when I have failed and made mistakes. Help me to be someone who is there for others when they need mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.