The Family of God Sample

Outside the Family

Before Jesus left, He gave His disciples instructions to go out and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. These instructions are still pertinent for us today. We, in and of ourselves, do not have the power to forgive sins, but we do have the power to see people according to their worth, value, and significance in the eyes of God.

If we love people and see them according to whom God called them to be, not who they are or what they’ve done, they will have the same opportunity to repent and turn away from their ways and receive Jesus. It is God’s goodness, love, and mercy that brings people to repentance… not judgment or condemnation.

We are NOT called to point out each other’s sins or deficits. We are called to call out the destiny, potential, and value in others. It is the love of God that sets people free!

As children of God, we should have compassion for others. This doesn’t mean we agree with someone, but that we walk in the grace to see their worth and value through the heart of God despite what they’ve done or the life they’re living.

God’s heart toward us is compassionate, so may we be continually moved with the same compassion for others, living for others' benefit even when it’s at our expense.

Questions:

1. How do you treat those outside the family?
2. Do you have a tendency to point out people’s sins and faults, or do you call out people’s worth and value?
3. Do you tend to live for others’ benefit or your own?