Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Opening: What is your favorite Christmas Day memory from when you were a child? An adult?

Scripture: Read Luke 2:8-20.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Of all the people the angels could have visited, why did God send them to the shepherds? How does that relate to Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55?
• God appeared to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds when they were just being themselves. What does that imply about what it means to be "spiritual"? How has God spoken to you in the ordinary flow of life?
• What precious event has God done that you "treasure in your heart"?

Prayer Focus: That our lives would be songs of praise for the coming Christ child.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Opening: When does your Christmas tree go up? Who trims it? How? What other traditions do you observe from your childhood?

Scripture: Read Luke 2:1-7.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Re-read Luke 1:30-35. In light of these promises, how might Mary feel as she awaits delivery in a stable? How does this tie into God’s plan (see Micah 5:2)?
• How did God take your “hopeless situation” and use it for good? What does that teach you?
• What areas in your life still have a “No Vacancy” sign for Jesus?

Prayer Focus: That we would open up a place for the Christ Child in our hearts.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Opening: How did you (or would you) celebrate the birth of your first child?

Scripture: Read Luke 1:57-80.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Think about a time when you, like Zechariah, took a step of faith and began speaking, praising God.
• Of the promises listed in Zechariah’s song (verses 67-79), which one means the most to you? Why?
• How has God unfolded his plan of salvation in your life? Who helped prepare the way? What were some key events that led you to your commitment to Jesus? Write a verse of praise to God using the special events from your own spiritual journey.

Prayer Focus: That we would, like John, “prepare the way for the Lord” for people who have yet to meet Him.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Opening: What is your favorite tradition related to Christmas?

Scripture: Sunday’s message comes from today’s text. Read Amos 5:21-24; Matthew 2:1-12; 6:21.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Amos is difficult to read during this Christmas season, especially if we equate “religious festivals” to Christmas. What do you think he really means? How does verse 24 guide your thoughts?
• In your journey toward God, how are you like the Magi? Unlike them? Have you had to leave anything to follow Jesus?
• What is the “gold, incense, and myrrh” in your life? What is your treasure (see Matthew 6:21)? How have you offered this to Jesus?

Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, that our worship would be true and sincerely, and that we would seek justice and righteous living.

Message Series: “A Different Kind of Christmas”

Tomorrow’s Message Title: “By A Different Road”

Friday, December 21, 2012

Opening: Whom do you call first when you have good news to share?

Scripture: Read Luke 1:39-56.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• How might Mary have felt when Elizabeth greeted her? How is she “blessed” and encouraged?
• How is Mary’s faith an example to you?
• Mary’s song of praise in verses 46–55 traditionally has been called the “Magnificat,” a title derived from the opening word (magnificat=magnifies) in the Latin Vulgate translation. The Magnificat is the first of three hymns in Luke 1–2, the other two being the “Benedictus” (see Luke 1:67–79) and the “Nunc Dimittis” (see Luke 2:28–32).

Prayer Focus: That our hearts, minds, souls, words, actions – everything in us – would magnify and praise our God.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Opening: What is a recent surprise your family has experienced: A job promotion? A new addition to the family? Your child earned all “A’s”?

Scripture: Read Luke 1:26-38.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• What would it mean to doubt and fear God? When were you recently fearful but believing? How did God meet you?
• In what area of your life do you need to believe that nothing is impossible with God? What keeps you from believing this?

Prayer Focus: That we would be like Mary, willing to do whatever the Lord asks of us.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Opening: If told you (or your parents) were to have a child this year, how would you react?

Scripture: Read Luke 1:5-25.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Of the major characters in this story - Zechariah, Elizabeth, John - with whom do you most identify? Why? With whom do you identify least? Why?
• When was the last time you doubted God? What caused your doubt?
• Consider Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s character (verse 6) and struggle (verse 7). When have you been obedient to God and still felt forgotten? What does this story tell you?
• Reread verses 14-17. How is John’s mission a model for your mission today? How might you “prepare” people for the Lord?

Prayer Focus: That we would 21^st century John the Baptists, “great in the sight of the Lord” and “leading people to God.”

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Today, we begin reading the birth narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Opening: Have you drawn up your last will and testament? What important facts did you include? Who would you choose as the biographer of your life story, and why?

Scripture: Read Luke 1:1-4.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• What do you learn from verses 1-4 about Luke? About the reason he wrote this Gospel?
• If you have a commentary or a Bible Dictionary, look up Theophilus and see what you can find.
• What are your sources for your faith and understanding of the truth of the Gospel? List them.

Prayer Focus: That you will “know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”[1]

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[1] John 8:32 (NIV)

Monday, December 17, 2012

Opening: Are you someone who experiences many moments of déjà vu? If you, are they typically of people or places?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 61:1-11.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Does this passage sound familiar? It should. Jesus uses it to announce the beginning of his ministry in his home town of Nazareth (see Luke 4:14-21). List the five things the Messiah will do in verses 1-2:

1.     

2.     

3.     

4.     

5.     

• Do we have any responsibility to accomplish these actions? Which one might you do?
• Read verse 6 again. Is it easy or difficult to imagine yourself as a priest or minister of the Lord? Why or why not? What do you think is your best “pastoral” gift or talent?
• How do others know that you are “blessed by the Lord” (see verse 9)? Think beyond the symbols of success that the world values.

Prayer Focus: That we will join Isaiah in saying, “I will sing for joy in GOD, explode in praise from deep in my soul!”[1]

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[1] Isaiah 61:10 (MSG)

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Opening: Do you remember as a child or when your children were young that there were times the request, “Come look.” “See what I can do.” “Come help me.”

Scripture: Read Isaiah 55:1-12.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• There is a sense of urgency in this passage, as God invites everyone to enter into his promised blessings. God implores us to “seek the Lord while he may be found” (see verse 6).
• “Come … come. … come.” Jesus also urgently calls come (see John 7:37–39). This is all one needs to do in order to find mercy in God. When do you hear God’s call to come?
• Verse 5 addresses the glorious son of David, the messianic servant, through whom God attracts the nations, bringing history to its appointed consummation. Also see Romans 1:1–5.
• Verse 8 talks about how God’s thoughts, insights, and plans are far beyond human comprehension. When has there been times when you simply did not understand what was going on or why things were happening the way they were? Did you still trust that God knew what was going on? Anything right now in your life that you need to trust God

Prayer Focus: That you would come to God with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”[1]

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[1] Isaiah 55:3 (NLT)

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Opening: What two positive qualities about your mom or dad come to mind as you recall your childhood?

Scripture: Sunday’s message comes from today’s texts. Read Hosea 3:1; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 3:23-24.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• That’s right – God commands Hosea to do something most of us would say, “No way!” (If you don’t know the story of Hosea, read Hosea 1-3.) What does Hosea’s story tells us about God? About us? About God and His relationship with us?
• What is most striking to you in this story of Jesus’ conception? How have you experienced Jesus as Immanuel in your life lately?
• What do you learn about faith from Joseph? What does it mean to you to realize that God trust His Son to a man and a woman? What does it say about God trusting you to continue to raise up the next generation of Christ followers?

Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration to be a wonderful experience of praise and celebration, and that we would be people devoted to love in all circumstances.

Message Series: “A Different Kind of Christmas”

Tomorrow’s Message Title: “Scandalous Love“

Friday, December 14, 2012

Opening: Sometimes we have to go through pain, but after it’s over, there is blessing and joy; i.e., a vaccination. Think of some other human experiences that hurt in the beginning, but are for our good or bring about an enhanced life.

Scripture: Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• This is called “The Suffering Servant” passage. Such a prophecy is astounding! Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious king? The idea is contrary to human pride and worldly thinking. But God often works in ways we don't expect. The Messiah's strength is shown by humility, suffering, and mercy.[1]
• Look through the passage again. Which prophecy would have been the most unbelievable for Isaiah’s original hearers? Which prophecies describe the experience of Jesus’ crucifixion? Which prophecies are most meaningful to you?
• Verse 6 reads, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.”[2] Here is the message of Advent – Jesus came so that our sins would be taken away. Right now, give thanks to God for the gift of the Christ Child.

Prayer Focus: That we would be counted as righteous because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

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[1] Life Application Study Bible, Isaiah 53:1ff

[2] Isaiah 53:6 (NLT)

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Opening: What does you name mean? If you do not know, you might look it up at http://www.babynames.com.

Scripture: Read Isaiah 49:1-13.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Verse 1 foretold the announcement of Jesus’ birth. See Matthew 1:18-21 and Luke 1:30-31.
• Reread verse 4. What work or effort in your life do you need to “leave it all in the hands of the Lord”? What then is left for you to do?
• Look again at verse 7. Unlike the kings of this world, the servant of the Lord conquers by his sufferings. This was certainly fulfilled in Jesus – “by His stripes we are healed.”[1]

Prayer Focus: That we would be the “Lord’s sheep, whom He leads to green pastures and cool waters.”[2]

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[1] Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

[2] See Isaiah 49:9-10

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Opening: You have been chosen to be the subject of newspaper article in your hometown. You’re asked to list your accomplishments and awards. What do you say?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 42:1-13.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Verse 1 is very similar to God’s declaration at Jesus baptism. Read Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, and Luke 3:21-22.
• As you read today’s passage, what examples from Jesus’ life came to mind?
• Verse 4 in the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament) reads, “And his name will be the hope of all the world” and is quoted in Matthew 12:21. How is Jesus the hope of all the world?
• Reread verse 6. Do you know someone who needs these comforting words? Where do you need them in your life?

Prayer Focus: That everything in our lives would “glorify the LORD and sing his praise.”[1]

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[1] Isaiah 42:12

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Opening: What “life events” usually involve sending out announcements?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 40:1-8.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Recognize this passage? This verse is used to describe John the Baptist (see Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4, and John 1:23).
• We all experience heartache in our lives. In the midst of yours, did you receive comfort or sense tenderness? How did the Lord help you through that situation?
• Verse 8 reads “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”[1] What are the things, possessions, fads, etc. that wither and fade with the passing of time? Do you seek to derive happiness, acceptance, or purpose from these withering and fading things or the word of the Lord?

Prayer Focus: That we would keep permanent things our priority and leave behind the things that fade.

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[1] Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)

Monday, December 10, 2012

Opening: What is your favorite “feast” – not just a favorite food item, but an entire meal of items that makes your mouth water?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 25:1-9.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• What are the wonderful things God planned long ago for you? Can you list them?
• Reread verse 4 with this question in mind: in what ways did Jesus fulfill this verse? Think of specific incidences in the Gospels.
• In verse 6, Isaiah talks about God's great Messianic feast, where all the people of the world – Gentiles and Jews together – will celebrate as God overthrows evil and they experience the joy of eternity with God.
• Part of verse 8 is quoted in 1 Corinthians 15:54 to describe Christ's victory over death. God's ultimate victory is seen when death, our ultimate enemy, is defeated. Another part of this verse is quoted in Revelation 21:4, which describes the glorious scene of God's presence with his people. How do you feel about this promise? Do you know for certainty your death will be overcome in victory? Do you know someone who needs this assurance?

Prayer Focus: That we would declare, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”[1]

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[1] Isaiah 25:9 (NLT)

Sunday, December 09, 2012

Opening: What is your favorite “It will never happen phrase”? You know, like “when pigs fly.” What others do you know?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 11:1-16.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Look through today’s passage. What characteristics does Isaiah describe that fit Jesus?
• What are the things you know God wants you to change in your life that you think will never happen? How do you feel when God promises that “the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat… the baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra…”?[1]
• Verse 11 talks about God bringing back a remnant. If He promises to bring this remnant back, then it stands to reason that He knows where they are. Not matter what situation you are in or place you find yourself, God knows where you are. He is still the “banner of salvation” (see verse 10).

Prayer Focus: That we would “delight in obeying the LORD”, “not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay” and “give justice to the poor.” (From Isaiah 11:3-4, NLT)

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[1] Isaiah 11:6-8 (NLT)

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Opening: If told you (or your parents) were to have a child this year, how would you react?

Scripture: Sunday’s message comes from today’s text. Read Luke 1:26-38.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• What would it mean to doubt and fear God? When were you recently fearful but believing? How did God meet you?
• In what area of your life do you need to believe that nothing is impossible with God? What keeps you from believing this?

Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, and that we would be willing to put aside the trivial, frivolous, and commercial, and reclaim the true meaning of Christmas.

Message Series: “A Different Kind of Christmas”

Tomorrow’s Message Title: “Giving Up on Perfect“

Friday, December 07, 2012

Opening: Have you ever listened to a choir singing Handel’s “Messiah” (and more than just the “Hallelujah Chorus.”) Have you ever sung it? (Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4hkwhOiD98 to listen today’s passage from “The Messiah.”)

Scripture: Read Isaiah 9:2-8.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Have you had a realization that you once were in darkness, but then saw the light; was “once blind, but now I see.”?[1]
• Verse 6 is a famous and beautiful section of this passage. When describing the Messiah, Isaiah says he will be called.
• “Wonderful Counselor”: A counselor is one who is able to make wise plans (see Isaiah 11:2). He is a ruler whose wisdom is beyond merely human capabilities, unlike intelligent but foolish Ahaz of Israel.
• “Mighty God”: A title of the Lord himself.
• “Everlasting Father”: A father here is a benevolent protector, which is the task of the ideal king and is also the way God himself cares for his people. This is not using the Trinitarian title “Father” for the Messiah; rather, it is portraying him as a king.
• “Prince of Peace”: He is the ruler whose reign will bring about peace, wholeness, and well-being to individuals and nations.
• Which one of these roles do you need most from Jesus today?

Prayer Focus: That the zeal of the Lord (verse 7) would accomplish great things in our lives?

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[1] John Newton, “Amazing Grace.”

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Opening: If you were asked to begin a weekly small group that met to grow in the faith, which twelve people would you ask to join you?

Scripture: Read Romans 16:1-27.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Ok, this is kind of a boring reading today. You most likely didn't know a single name, or else you have heard of a few, but don’t know much about them. You might consider looking up names in a Bible Dictionary or go to http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/.
• What are some of the teachings that divide the church today? How do you work for a balance between the desire for unity and the desire to maintain truth?[1]
• What area or circumstance in your life do you need the God of peace to crush (see verse 20)?

Prayer Focus: That everyone will know of our obedience to God (see verse 19).

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[1] Recently on "CBS This Morning," Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and author of “Purpose Driven Life” said, "The problem is that tolerant has changed its meaning. It used to mean 'I may disagree with you completely, but I will treat you with respect. Today, tolerant means – 'you must approve of everything I do.' There's a difference between tolerance and approval. Jesus accepted everyone no matter who they were. He doesn't approve of everything I do, or you do, or anybody else does either. You can be accepting without being approving."

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Opening: Where have you always wanted to travel? Why?

Scripture: Read Romans 15:23-33.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• We talked about Paul’s journey to Jerusalem with the gifts from the Macedonia Churches during our “Living Sacrifices” message series. And we know from our study of the book of Acts that Paul was arrested in Jerusalem. He eventually got to Rome, albeit in chains.
• Paul urges the Romans to pray for him. Who are you praying for? Who needs your prayers?

Prayer Focus: That we would struggle in prayer for missionaries, preachers, and outreach ministries.

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Opening: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Scripture: Read Romans 15:14-22.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Paul tells his Roman readers they are “full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.”[1] How would you grade yourself in goodness, knowledge of the faith, and ability to instruct or disciple others? Are there ways to improve?
• Looking over your schedule and priorities this past month, what would you say is your ambition in life? Is that what you want it to be? How do your ambitions compare with Paul’s in terms of clarity? Value? Concern for God’s kingdom?
• In verse 21, Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15 how those who have not been told will see and those who have not heard will understand. This is a big difference from the call of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8-9. Why might there be a greater receptivity now? Read Isaiah 52:13.

Prayer Focus: That God be “satisfied with who you are and what you are doing. You seem to me to be well-motivated and well-instructed, quite capable of guiding and advising one another.”[2]

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[1] Romans 15:14 (NLT)

[2] Romans 15:14 (MSG)

Monday, December 03, 2012

Opening: Who are the people in your life to you are so bound to that it doesn't matter if you agree on something, you will still be together?

Scripture: Read Romans 15:1-13.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Paul makes one last appeal that all people within the Church should be bound into one, that those who are weak in the faith and those who are strong in the faith should be one united body, that Jew and Gentile should find a common fellowship. There may be many differences but there is only one Christ, and the bond of unity is a common loyalty to him.
• Verse 4 talks about the importance of reading Scripture. The knowledge of the Scriptures affects our attitude toward the present and the future. The more we know about what God has done in years past, the greater the confidence we have about what he will do in the days ahead. We need to diligently read our Bibles so we may have confidence that God's will is best for us.[1]
• Romans 15:7 states, “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”[2] Read this verse in different translations to see if you gain any addition insights into the verse. What individuals or types of people are you stretching to accept? Can you commit that to the Lord?

Prayer Focus: Reread Romans 15:13 and personalize the prayer for your life.

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[1] Life Application Study Bible, Romans 15:4

[2] Romans 15:7 (NLT)

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Opening: You are walking through the Mall and around the corner come a teenage boy and girl. His hair is spiked, he has his arm around her shoulder, and his hand is hanging down her chest. Her outfit is provocative and her hair is green. Is your first thought a positive thought, or judgmental?

Scripture: Read Romans 14:13-23.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• This is a radical passage, considering Paul’s strict Pharisaic background. He would have followed all the Mosaic food restrictions (see Leviticus 11:1-47 and Deuteronomy 14:3-20).
• When you are tempted to judge someone’s behavior, is it more out of your own need to be right, out of your desire help other person do it “right”, or out of your own defensiveness – a need to declare your own behavior “right”?
• What is something you used to say, “Never ever,” but now say, “That’s not so bad.” Is this because you realized it wasn't a big deal, or have your morals shifted? What were your morals based on? Society? Parents? The Bible?
• Romans 14:19 reads, “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”[1] What does it mean to build someone up? What are you doing to accomplish this? What more can you do, and for whom?

Prayer Focus: That harmony and edification would be characteristic of our lives and our church.

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[1] Romans 14:19 (NLT)

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Opening: What is most inconvenient when the power goes out for a day or two: no TV/Internet, food storage/prep, so dark at night?

Scripture: Tomorrow begins a new message series, and the message comes from today’s text. Read Isaiah 9:2-7; 7:14; Luke 4:18-21.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• When have you experienced a “dark” time? What were the circumstances? What did it feel like? What was your overriding emotion when you finally “saw the light”?
• Of the four characteristics of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, which is the most meaningful to you right now in your life?
• Isaiah 7:14 tells us the Messiah will be Immanuel – “God with us.” In what ways do you feel God with you? In what ways does it seem you are still in the “land of deep darkness”[1]?
• If all five areas of Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-21 are to be carried on by the church as a whole, which area of concern do you give priority and which do you tend to neglect:

1.    Preaching the Gospel?

2.    Helping people to be free to live for God?

3.    Performing acts of mercy?

4.    Work for fair and just social structures?

5.    Explaining God's grace to disheartened people?

Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, as we begin the season of Advent, that Christ would come into or worship and our lives.

Message Series: “A Different Kind of Christmas”

Tomorrow’s Message Title: “Expect a Miracle.“

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[1] Isaiah 9:2 (NLT)

Friday, November 30, 2012

Opening: What food is definitely “off-limits” for you, something you will never eat?

Scripture: Read Romans 14:1-12.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• As he nears the end of his letter, Paul addresses a specific dispute, probably over whether Christians need to abide by Jewish food and Sabbath laws. For him, these are “gray areas” – issues over which equally committed Christians can disagree. What are some controversial, gray areas in your life, family, the church?
• Paul clearly sides theologically with the “strong” (who did not feel compelled to follow those laws), but he encourages them not to despise or scandalize the “weak.” Are you more likely to believe, behave, and react with a strong conviction or mindful of the weak?
• When has your “freedom” been a stumbling block to someone else? What happened?

Prayer Focus: That everything we do – living or dying – we would belong to the Lord (see verse 8).

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Opening: What was the occasion of your first debt or loan?

Scripture: Read Romans 13:8-14.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• We live in a society of debt: credit cards, mortgages, second mortgages (to pay off another debt), national debt. Paul tells us “Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other.”[1] How can you eliminate your financial debt?
• “Love People.” Ever heard that before? Who do you owe a debt of love to? Who do you need to start investing your “love currency” into?
• How would your life be different if you consciously tried to “wear” Jesus Christ? What must change to ensure a better fit?

Prayer Focus: That we would fully love people (and of course, love God).

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[1] Romans 13:8 (MSG)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Opening: When was the last time you got a traffic ticket? How did you feel about the police officer?

Scripture: Read Romans 13:1-7.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Who are the authorities in your life: family, occupation, church, government, etc.? Why does Paul say we should submit to governing authorities? How do you understand this passage in lieu of the context of Paul’s time, where pagan Roman rulers were preparing to martyr Christians?
• What principles do you find in this passage that help you deal with authority?
• Paul does not advocate blind obedience when faced with conflict with your beliefs. He was eventually martyred for “violating” Roman laws regarding who is Lord was, Jesus or Caesar. How do you find the balance between submitting to authorities and peaceful civil disobedience?

Prayer Focus: That we would submit to our leaders in obedience to God.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Opening: As a child, who was the troublemaker in your family? Who was the peacemaker?

Scripture: Read Romans 12:9-21.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Today’s reading is a description of the life that is pleasing to God (see verses 1-2). Take a piece of paper and individually list the descriptions.
• Not surprisingly, love heads the list, for all that Paul says is embraced by the call to love (also see John 13:34–35).
• Of the commands listed here, which two are easiest for you to keep? Which two are most difficult?
• What relationship in your life most needs the teaching in this passage?

Prayer Focus: Take a moment to ask for God’s forgiveness, understanding, patience, and power for this relationship?