Today's Scripture
"God will bless you when others hate you and won't have anything to do with you. God will bless you when people insult you and say cruel things about you, all because you are a follower of the Son of Man." - Luke 6:22 CEV
Thoughts for Today
People-pleasing is often motivated by a fear of rejection. Jesus talked about this rejection. When we are rejected because we have chosen to follow Jesus and do things his way, he promises to be with us and bless us.
It is natural to want to please people, but when doing so takes us out of the will of God and deters us from his plan for us, we must take a stand. We must choose to do things God's way. His way is always the best way and he promises his blessing. Condemnation puts us under a heavy weight of guilt with no apparent way out. Conviction reveals truth to us and motivates us to confess and turn from sin.
Consider this …
When you are feeling rejected by people, try some of these responses:
- Meditate on scripture verses about God's unconditional love for you.
- Pray that God will help you see the truth and respond in a way that will please him.
- Read the Psalms. Memorize verses that explain who you are in Christ.
- Meditate on Jeremiah 29:11. Remember that God has a purpose for your life and that the temptation to judge yourself by what other people say is just another one of the enemy's tactics to prevent you from discovering who you are in Christ.
Father, help me to stand strong and overcome my fear of people's rejection. Their rejection can hurt, but more than anything I want to please you. Help me to make right choices—and thank you for your promise of blessing. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Lessons Learned: Moving from Homosexuality to Holiness by Tammy Webb-Witholt. This group study offers biblical tools, along with an abundance of hope, to anyone struggling with homosexuality. It is also a great group for anyone desiring a deeper walk with God. 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.
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