Living Free - Oct. 18, 2013

Living Free Every Day®

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." - Galatians 6:10 NIV

Thoughts for Today

God gives us opportunities to do good to all people, especially to those in the family of believers. Today's scripture encourages us to use every opportunity that comes.

How often do we hear of a friend's need and simply respond with an "I'll pray for you." Sometimes that's all we can do. However, many times we could give some practical assistance as well. But that might be inconvenient. Or costly. "As we have opportunity, let us do good." .

And then there is the homeless man on the street corner whom we pretend not to see. Or the lady who lives across town and needs a ride to church. Inconvenient. Or the friend dealing with a crisis who just needs to talk. But I have so much to do today. "As we have opportunity, let us do good."

Consider this … 

Sometimes our lives are not characterized by caring and kindness. We are too busy, too caught up in ourselves and our own troubles, too isolated. Just imagine what would happen in the body of Christ if we each begin to show compassion and brotherly kindness at every opportunity?

Let us start each day with a prayer asking God to help us use every opportunity to do good. Let us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so we will seize those opportunities and not run from them.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for sometimes being selfish, not wanting to help someone because it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. Teach me to seize every opportunity to do good. In Jesus' name . . .

 These thoughts were drawn from …

Insight Group: Discover the Path to Christian Character by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. With its emphasis on developing Christian character it is a powerful group for those who want to be sure to prevent life-controlling problems from developing in their lives, as well as for those who need to overcome a current problem.

• It enhances people's understanding of themselves and others.
• It helps people bond together in meaningful relationships.
• It helps prepare people for more meaningful relationships in subsequent small groups like home groups and Sunday school classes.
• It surfaces people for help who may otherwise never seek help.
• It helps break down the segregation of people in churches, turning "those people" and "our kind of people" into just "us."
• It helps prepare people to minister to others.
• It serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by ministering to people's felt needs and then pointing 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.