I’m teaching a Sunday School class from the book “The Me I Want To Be” by John Ortberg. Actually, I have the video/small group kit so, he’s teaching it, I’m facilitating discussion.
Today’s topic, "Deepening My Relationships” is one that you know would not be the easiest for me. I have been on a quest for deeper relationships and have struggled with this area of my life. God has helped me grow over the past few years considerably.
But with the Bible study, I took the scripture it recommended, and expanded it (a bit). Here is an important exercise that I encouraged the class to do this week. Read the following scripture. Keeping in mind that love is the truest way to deepen your relationships. But this entire scripture in Romans has so many commands on how we are to handle ourselves in regard to others.
Start reading and when the Holy Spirit prompts, stop. I think this scripture is so packed full that you will be amazed at what God reveals to you.
Romans 12:9-21
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
2 comments:
That has long been a favorite passage of mine, and not only because it's so much clearer to understand than the previous few chapters. You could write entire books from what God reveals in these passages, but I will say that the closing verses are the toughest ones to live. Overcoming evil with good sounds great until you're in a situation where you have to do it.
So true that love is needed when deepening relationships. I tend to think of myself and my feelings too much.
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