Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Sunday July 30, 2023 TOPIC: RESPONSE TO DISAGREEMENT

 

Sunday July 30, 2023

TOPIC: RESPONSE TO DISAGREEMENT

BIBLE READING:

COLOSSIANS 3:13-16

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  

KEY VERSE:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16  

MEDITATION:

Disagreements will certainly occur so long as human relationships exist – family, church, workplace, and neighbours. It is our response that defines the quality of Christianity we profess and practice. Apostle Paul had cause to disagree sharply with Barnabas and Peter (Acts 15:36-40; Galatians 2:11-14). These did not cause any 'bad blood' or bitterness or enmity, for much later, same Paul requested for John Mark, the reason for the disagreement with Barnabas to join him in the work if the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). This was possible because there was no heart hatred.    

Today's bible reading exhorts believers to forbear, forgive and love one another. Sadly, many believers have problem with forgiveness. Once you offend them, you may have inadvertently embarked on a journey of no destination or no return! In fact, refusing to forgive someone when you are already enjoying the forgiveness of Jesus can be likened to a man who found himself in a muddy pit alongside with several others. Then a Good Samaritan dropped a ladder into the pit. He managed to climb out and took the ladder away, leaving others in the same pit. Many believers fit into that mould today in the church. It ought not to be so. The most effective antidote to responding to disagreement is to allow the word of God dwell in your heart richly.    

How did you respond to a brother or sister the last time you had a very contentious disagreement?    

PRAYER:

Merciful Father, I receive the grace to forgive, forbear and love.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

JOB 22-23, ACTS 23:23-35