Increase Our Faith!
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 29
Luke 17:1–19 (NIV)
By Benedict Tay, Associate Pastoral Team Member
READ:
Luke 17:1–19 (NIV)
After Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, He turns to His disciples to remind them to “pay attention to yourself” and one another. Rebuke your brother, forgive him, you MUST forgive him. Hearing this, the disciples cry out, “Increase our faith!”.
In psychology, there’s an idea that all of us engage in some form of social comparison. Our human condition often leads us to look outward in order that we may feel better about ourselves. If you want to feel better, compare yourself to someone who is not as good as you. If you want to have hope, look up to find a role model.
On reflection, I recently caught myself subconsciously jumping into a quick judgement and arriving at a conclusion at my small group session. As one of my small group members shared about his struggles, I was thinking more about how I would have done better than that individual rather than how I was to care for him.
Truth be told, Jesus’ reminder to His disciples is not some far fetched advice
but reality that hits home for most of us. “Temptations will surely come” and we too can easily fall into the trap of being like a Pharisee, thinking we are better than others.
The disciples knew it too and this is why they said, “Increase our faith”. The disciple’s response was a desire for Christ to make them faithful. Jesus invites us to be a community that cares for one another, seeking him together that we may be found faithful. We are called to be a people of mutual rebuke but more importantly a people that must practise genuine forgiveness. We are called to be a people of faith.
As I reflect on the passage, I am convicted to seek out someone in my small group today to share with vulnerably and openly while caring for that individual. I will also reflect and re-examine my life for any parts that God is inviting me today to surrender and cry out, “Increase my faith”.
Dear Lord, increase my faith, make me a faithful servant that I may turn to you and not others in learning to be gracious, merciful and loving. Help me to love and care for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, that we will pay attention to one another. Teach me to be humble when rebuked and be filled with your love to forgive others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
[ Reflection Questions ]
- Is there an area of your spiritual life which you need to pay more particular attention to?
- What does it mean for you to say, “Increase my faith!”
- Is there anyone in your life that God has called you to love and be accountable to?
