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Living Free - July 5, 2012


Living Free Every Day®

Follow His Example

Today's Scripture

"Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." - Ephesians 5:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Society teaches us to judge the value of a person by outward characteristics—education, wealth, beauty, and so forth. This kind of value system opens the door for envy, jealousy and division. It teaches us to judge not only others in these terms, but ourselves as well. We may begin to think that we are worthless unless we have a college degree or a power job or are thin and beautiful.

The Bible tells us that we are all valuable in God's eyes. Not because of what we do or don't do—but because he loves us and created us in his image. Because Jesus died for us. The Bible teaches that God treasures us … we are precious to him.

This is how we should view others—as valuable and precious to God. Not because of their career success or lack of it, not because of who they know, not because of how they look or their IQ level—but because Jesus loved them enough to die for them.

Consider this … 

Do you have a biblical point of view when you look at people? We shouldn't look down—or up—to people because of their social position or bank account or career success. We shouldn't think they are better if they wear designer clothes or drive expensive cars. And we shouldn't let their race or cultural background determine their worth in our eyes.

Ask Jesus to help you know and appreciate people for who they really are—on the inside. Ask him to help you follow his example and see them through his eyes—and love them with his love.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your assurance that you love me and value me—not because of what I have or how I look—but because you love me and created me in your image. Because Jesus died for me. Help me follow your example—and begin to love others with your kind of love. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

One Nation Under God: Toward Race Reconciliation
 by Donna Saunders, Ph.D. and Jean Leak, MS, RN. This study discusses barriers between people and shows how to make Christ visible through love in action. This guide also offers the way to strengthen and bond relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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