Week 4 – Day 2 Depends On Me
Focus: Learning to do my part to get along with others
Scripture: As you read Romans 12, ask the Father to show you how to live in harmony in your relationships.
The Book of Romans is a personal letter from Paul to the church in Rome. In chapter 12 Paul addresses the differences in people. We may have different spiritual gifts, different behavioral styles, and different ideas of right and wrong. But Paul encourages believers to aggressively reach out to others through Christ’s love, regardless of differences.
DIFFERENCES CAN CAUSE CONFLICT
In this study, we have discovered that many women become frustrated because of differences in people. Perhaps you are experiencing similar frustrations.
Circle the words that represent people who frustrate you.
Husband children coworker boss
Parent sibling customers church people
Neighbor other drivers telemarketers friend
Other_________
Underline the words and phrases that describe those who frustrate you.
Messy too talkative unorganized
Don’t care indecisive don’t help around the house
Too quiet unappreciative never want to talk about things
Argumentative bossy take too long to get things done
Too orderly other _________
In working with women I have found the women often determines the attitude in the home. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I’ve noticed it often is. I realize that when everyone comes home after a busy day, my attitude sets the tone for the family’s mealtime conversations.
Paul speaks directly to us in Romans 12:18 “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.”
Our responsibility in any relationship is to live at peace. Let’s explore this concept more deeply as we consider your personal role in getting along with others.
Write the names of three people with whom you are experiencing difficulty. (These may or may not be the same people you listed yesterday)
1.
2.
3.
Within these relationships, how are you feeling? Check all that apply.
o Irritated
o Misjudged
o Angry
o Overlooked
o Unappreciated
o Like my feelings don’t matter
o Like I’m responsible for everything
o Other ______________________
According to Romans 12:28 what is your part in getting along with these people? To ________
____________ _______________________ with them.
One of the ways to do that is to get self out of the way!
DOES IT HURT THE CAUSE OF JESUS, OR DOES IT HURT ME?
Dana works hard in her church. She works in the nursery, helps clean up after church suppers, sings in the choir, and facilitates women’s Bible studies. Many women regularly attend the studies she leads because they learn a lot from Dana and enjoy the things she shares.
Recently another women’s Bible study was offered at the same time as the one Dana is leading. Dana learns a week before the new study begins that most of the women who regularly sign up for her studies are enrolled in the new class.
If you were Dana, how might you feel? Write two sentences expressing your feelings.
The normal human reaction would probably be one of hurt. Maybe Dana wonders if she has offended the ladies who regularly attend her studies. She may be tempted to confront them about why they no longer want to be in her class.
Could the hurt Dana experiences (justified or not) possibly cause her to be self-absorbed? Yes or No
What about the relationships that are causing you hurt, frustration, anger, disappointment, fear, heartache? Are your feelings causing you to take your focus off Jesus by becoming self-absorbed?
These self-feelings are normal. They are part of being human. But to live at peace with everyone, we must stop focusing on ourselves and start focusing on Jesus.
When I suffer pain in a relationship, I am learning to ask the question. “Is the cause of Jesus being hurt or are my feelings being hurt?” When I am preoccupied with myself, my peace drains away. By moving self out of the way, I can turn the situation over to Jesus and let Him handle it.
I realize this can be a difficult and slow process. The time it takes to get rid of self depends upon your degree of hurt. It may help to remember that by giving up self you are in no way justifying the other person’s behavior. You are simply following the commands of Scripture to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse … do not repay anyone evil for evil … do not avenge yourselves” (Rom. 12:14, 17, 19).
Think about the three people you listed on page 59. Write their initials in the following blanks.
As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with _____________
As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with _____________
As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with _____________
TRY THIS TODAY
When you encounter someone who frustrates you, make a point to be especially kind to that person. Perhaps that individual really needs to be shown kindness. Consider such an opportunity a gift from the Father’s chance to put self aside, practice His love, and experience His peace.
What is God revealing to you in today’s study?
As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer:
Dear Father, Thank You for creating us. I’m giving You my people problems. Please help me see people through Your eyes and with Your love. You are the peace in all of my relationships. I love You.
Focus: Learning to do my part to get along with others
Scripture: As you read Romans 12, ask the Father to show you how to live in harmony in your relationships.
The Book of Romans is a personal letter from Paul to the church in Rome. In chapter 12 Paul addresses the differences in people. We may have different spiritual gifts, different behavioral styles, and different ideas of right and wrong. But Paul encourages believers to aggressively reach out to others through Christ’s love, regardless of differences.
DIFFERENCES CAN CAUSE CONFLICT
In this study, we have discovered that many women become frustrated because of differences in people. Perhaps you are experiencing similar frustrations.
Circle the words that represent people who frustrate you.
Husband children coworker boss
Parent sibling customers church people
Neighbor other drivers telemarketers friend
Other_________
Underline the words and phrases that describe those who frustrate you.
Messy too talkative unorganized
Don’t care indecisive don’t help around the house
Too quiet unappreciative never want to talk about things
Argumentative bossy take too long to get things done
Too orderly other _________
In working with women I have found the women often determines the attitude in the home. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I’ve noticed it often is. I realize that when everyone comes home after a busy day, my attitude sets the tone for the family’s mealtime conversations.
Paul speaks directly to us in Romans 12:18 “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.”
Our responsibility in any relationship is to live at peace. Let’s explore this concept more deeply as we consider your personal role in getting along with others.
Write the names of three people with whom you are experiencing difficulty. (These may or may not be the same people you listed yesterday)
1.
2.
3.
Within these relationships, how are you feeling? Check all that apply.
o Irritated
o Misjudged
o Angry
o Overlooked
o Unappreciated
o Like my feelings don’t matter
o Like I’m responsible for everything
o Other ______________________
According to Romans 12:28 what is your part in getting along with these people? To ________
____________ _______________________ with them.
One of the ways to do that is to get self out of the way!
DOES IT HURT THE CAUSE OF JESUS, OR DOES IT HURT ME?
Dana works hard in her church. She works in the nursery, helps clean up after church suppers, sings in the choir, and facilitates women’s Bible studies. Many women regularly attend the studies she leads because they learn a lot from Dana and enjoy the things she shares.
Recently another women’s Bible study was offered at the same time as the one Dana is leading. Dana learns a week before the new study begins that most of the women who regularly sign up for her studies are enrolled in the new class.
If you were Dana, how might you feel? Write two sentences expressing your feelings.
The normal human reaction would probably be one of hurt. Maybe Dana wonders if she has offended the ladies who regularly attend her studies. She may be tempted to confront them about why they no longer want to be in her class.
Could the hurt Dana experiences (justified or not) possibly cause her to be self-absorbed? Yes or No
What about the relationships that are causing you hurt, frustration, anger, disappointment, fear, heartache? Are your feelings causing you to take your focus off Jesus by becoming self-absorbed?
These self-feelings are normal. They are part of being human. But to live at peace with everyone, we must stop focusing on ourselves and start focusing on Jesus.
When I suffer pain in a relationship, I am learning to ask the question. “Is the cause of Jesus being hurt or are my feelings being hurt?” When I am preoccupied with myself, my peace drains away. By moving self out of the way, I can turn the situation over to Jesus and let Him handle it.
I realize this can be a difficult and slow process. The time it takes to get rid of self depends upon your degree of hurt. It may help to remember that by giving up self you are in no way justifying the other person’s behavior. You are simply following the commands of Scripture to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse … do not repay anyone evil for evil … do not avenge yourselves” (Rom. 12:14, 17, 19).
Think about the three people you listed on page 59. Write their initials in the following blanks.
As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with _____________
As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with _____________
As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with _____________
TRY THIS TODAY
When you encounter someone who frustrates you, make a point to be especially kind to that person. Perhaps that individual really needs to be shown kindness. Consider such an opportunity a gift from the Father’s chance to put self aside, practice His love, and experience His peace.
What is God revealing to you in today’s study?
As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer:
Dear Father, Thank You for creating us. I’m giving You my people problems. Please help me see people through Your eyes and with Your love. You are the peace in all of my relationships. I love You.
