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?
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.
Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.