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?