Living Free - Nov. 23, 2012
Unconditional Love For YOU
Today's Scripture
"May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." - Ephesians 3:19 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Do you sometimes feel as though you are fighting your way through life and losing the battle? That you are such a failure that no one can help you?
We've probably all had these feelings at times. And if you suffer from chronic depression, you might feel alone and hopeless most of the time. When well-meaning people try to cheer you up by pointing out your good qualities, you may hear what they are saying as either false praise or else as words of one who doesn't really know you that well.
There is someone who knows you better than you know yourself. Someone who wants to give you hope and help you win the battle. His name is Jesus. He promises you peace (John 14:27). He intercedes to God the Father for you (John 17:9). He promises to work all things for your good (Romans 8:28). He rides on the Heavens to help you (Deuteronomy 33:26).
Consider this …
You may say, "Those promises sound good for someone else, but they couldn't be for me. I don't deserve them. You don't know me."
This may be true … but Jesus DOES know you. And he loves you. If no one else had existed, he would have died on the cross just for you. He loves you that much. None of us deserves that kind of love, but Jesus gives it freely and unconditionally.
Let him love you. Open your heart to the hope and healing that come only from him.
Jesus, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for dying for me. When I'm feeling down, help me to remember your love for me, to experience your love, and to share your love with others. 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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