Week 4 Day 4 This is My Part
Focus: Focusing on Christ and heavenly things will help me love others the way Christ intends for me to love.
Scripture: Spend a few quiet moments with the Father, asking Him to speak to you as you read Colossians 3:1-17.
GUIDELINES FOR HOLY LIVING
Paul is a great letter writer. He gives encouragement and something for the reader to hang on to. Then he fills his letters with practical applications of how we should live. Let’s explore some of these standards.
1. “Set your mind on what is above, not on what is on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).
A distinct connection exists between getting along with others and focusing on heaven. It’s difficult to focus on things above when you are being mistreated on earth! When human emotions are aroused, it takes self-restraint to focus on heaven and behave with a heavenly mindset.
Describe a time when you were mistreated and wanted to react in kind. How did you handle your emotions?
2. “put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12)
Is there a situation in your life now where you can practice these things? Yes or No Explain
Are you willing to try? Yes, No or Not now WHY?
3. “Just as the Lord had forgiven you, so also you must forgive” (Colossians 3:13)
If you’ve been deeply wounded physically or emotionally, it is difficult to forgive – particularly if the person who hurt you has not accepted responsibility for his or her behavior. The Father knows and understands your hurt and disappointment. However, He still asks you to forgive. He wants you to forgive because IT IS GOOD FOR YOU. You are in no way justifying the other person’s behavior when you forgive. By letting go of your hurts, you are cleansing your heart and freeing your soul of the torment forgiveness breeds.
God is the Righteous Judge. All people report to Him – not to you. He can create a forgiving spirit within you. Ask Him. He will bless you for your obedience.
4. “Let the peace of the Messiah … control your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).
Don’t you long for the peace of Jesus? As you become more intimate with the Savior, you will begin to experience His peace in indescribable ways. As you set aside a time each day to worship Him, to thank Him, to recognize Him as the Lord of your thoughts, emotions, behavior – your life – you will gradually move into a peaceful state of living. You’ll find that as stressors hit, your reaction will be softened and seasoned with God’s grace. It’s the gift of being in His presence. It’s the gentleness of Jesus. We “are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Think of an area in your life where you are at your wit’s end. The stress affects your relationships. Imagine yourself transformed into God’s likeness with “ever-increasing glory.” How is your situation different? Are you different? Explain.
5. “Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
This verse has many practical applications. Right now, simply consider your relationships.
Consider your role in the relationships listed below. Write the number which best describes how frequently you “behave in the name of Jesus” in those relationships. 1. Always 2 usually 3 sometimes 4 rarely 5 never
____husband _____friends ______ children
____parents _____siblings ______neighbors
____acquaintances _____coworkers ______strangers
Did you find room for improvement? What is God revealing to you today to help you deal with people stress?
As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer.
Dear Father, I’m beginning to see others through Your eyes. Continue to show me all You want me to know about getting along with the difficult people in my life. I belong to You. So do they. Thank You for Your love.
Focus: Focusing on Christ and heavenly things will help me love others the way Christ intends for me to love.
Scripture: Spend a few quiet moments with the Father, asking Him to speak to you as you read Colossians 3:1-17.
GUIDELINES FOR HOLY LIVING
Paul is a great letter writer. He gives encouragement and something for the reader to hang on to. Then he fills his letters with practical applications of how we should live. Let’s explore some of these standards.
1. “Set your mind on what is above, not on what is on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).
A distinct connection exists between getting along with others and focusing on heaven. It’s difficult to focus on things above when you are being mistreated on earth! When human emotions are aroused, it takes self-restraint to focus on heaven and behave with a heavenly mindset.
Describe a time when you were mistreated and wanted to react in kind. How did you handle your emotions?
2. “put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12)
Is there a situation in your life now where you can practice these things? Yes or No Explain
Are you willing to try? Yes, No or Not now WHY?
3. “Just as the Lord had forgiven you, so also you must forgive” (Colossians 3:13)
If you’ve been deeply wounded physically or emotionally, it is difficult to forgive – particularly if the person who hurt you has not accepted responsibility for his or her behavior. The Father knows and understands your hurt and disappointment. However, He still asks you to forgive. He wants you to forgive because IT IS GOOD FOR YOU. You are in no way justifying the other person’s behavior when you forgive. By letting go of your hurts, you are cleansing your heart and freeing your soul of the torment forgiveness breeds.
God is the Righteous Judge. All people report to Him – not to you. He can create a forgiving spirit within you. Ask Him. He will bless you for your obedience.
4. “Let the peace of the Messiah … control your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).
Don’t you long for the peace of Jesus? As you become more intimate with the Savior, you will begin to experience His peace in indescribable ways. As you set aside a time each day to worship Him, to thank Him, to recognize Him as the Lord of your thoughts, emotions, behavior – your life – you will gradually move into a peaceful state of living. You’ll find that as stressors hit, your reaction will be softened and seasoned with God’s grace. It’s the gift of being in His presence. It’s the gentleness of Jesus. We “are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Think of an area in your life where you are at your wit’s end. The stress affects your relationships. Imagine yourself transformed into God’s likeness with “ever-increasing glory.” How is your situation different? Are you different? Explain.
5. “Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
This verse has many practical applications. Right now, simply consider your relationships.
Consider your role in the relationships listed below. Write the number which best describes how frequently you “behave in the name of Jesus” in those relationships. 1. Always 2 usually 3 sometimes 4 rarely 5 never
____husband _____friends ______ children
____parents _____siblings ______neighbors
____acquaintances _____coworkers ______strangers
Did you find room for improvement? What is God revealing to you today to help you deal with people stress?
As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer.
Dear Father, I’m beginning to see others through Your eyes. Continue to show me all You want me to know about getting along with the difficult people in my life. I belong to You. So do they. Thank You for Your love.
