John 1:14 (ESV)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

What Tough Love Does:

1. Love confronts when appropriate, rather than running.

Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Matthew 18:15-20 (ESV)

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

What Tough Love Does:

1. Love confronts when appropriate, rather than running.
2. Love doesn't rescue, but does bear others' burdens.

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:5 (ESV)

For each will have to bear his own load.

Romans 15:1-2 (ESV)

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

For My Personal Time With God This Week:

[#1] Reread Galatians 6:1-5. Everyone has burdens that can sometimes be too much to bear alone. How can you offer love to people bearing heavy burdens without infringing on their responsibilities from God to handle their normal daily loads?
[#2] Read Matthew 18:15-20. God wants us to grow from the loving confrontation we receive from others. Verse 15 says we must be willing to offer the truth in love to others who need to hear it at the risk of rejection, but with the hope of restoration. Why should we all want discipline and accountability in our lives? Do you want this?
[#3] Read Matthew 5:35-37. Many find it difficult to simply say “no” when it is best to do so, and tend to give reasons or excuses to justify their decisions. What do you think is behind people having a hard time saying “no” to others? Is it possible to get to a place where saying “no” can be free of guilt, obligation, or fear?
[#4] Read Colossians 3:8 and think of the way you live life and live in relationships. In what life situations do you tend to blame rather than fix the problem? Which of these things is it hardest for you to rid yourself of when you are seeking reconciliation? How might you change that?
[#5] Matthew 5:9 reminds us that God blesses those who are peacemakers. Reconciliation means to reestablish the relationship, while resolution means to resolve every issue. Do you tend to focus too much on resolution during conflict? Do you feel like, too often, you need resolution to reconcile? Why/why not?