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Living Free - Sept. 13, 2012


Living Free Every Day®


Bear with One Another

Today's Scripture

"Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Sometimes forgiving a large offense seems easier than being gracious about those little day-to-day annoyances. Almost everyone has habits or mannerisms that others might find irritating. And let's face it - that includes us!

If we aren't willing to make allowances for other people's faults, we will greatly limit our ability to develop meaningful relationships - relationships that God could use to help fulfill his plan for our church or ministry.

Consider this … 

Do you sometimes focus on people's faults, rather than their needs? Their weaknesses rather than their strengths? Do you allow those negative focuses to block your ability to love and encourage? To work together toward a common goal?

God calls us to walk in forgiveness, to make allowance for each other's faults. He forgave us - how can we do less? He is so gracious toward us in our day-to-day walk - how can we refuse this same graciousness toward our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Prayer

Father, sometimes I get sidetracked by petty annoyances. Please forgive me and help me make allowances for others' faults, just as I hope they will do for me. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.

  • Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
  • Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
  • Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
  • Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
  • How to pray for healing and what to expect
  • Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ

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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