United Series, Week 5: When Division Becomes Multiplication – September 23-27
Many of us dislike confrontation and conflict, but we often find it unavoidable. Sometimes a conflict may result in separation. How we part ways with others in a relationship, a business agreement, or even a church, matters and also shows our true character. In the Book of Acts we read about a situation between Paul…
United Series, Week 4: Love is Loyal – September 16-20
Loyalty is a key component of unity and it’s difficult to achieve without sacrificing one’s own preferences and desires. It requires putting aside selfishness, greed, and ambition, and instead focusing on a greater purpose. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz portrays love and loyalty at its best. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi caused her to cast…
United Series, Week 3: Keep Calm and Carry On – September 9-13
How we respond to others when we feel we have been wronged reveals our heart condition. Some common responses include expressing anger, seeking retaliation and holding grudges. While understandable, these are not the behaviors Jesus would encourage. He spoke of and modeled the importance of being peacemakers and peacekeepers. King David once found himself in…
United Series, Week 2: Breaking the Ice of Unforgiveness – September 2-6
Forgiveness may be the hardest thing many of us do in our lifetimes, but because none of us is without sin, forgiveness is essential if we want to love and be loved in this life. Unforgiveness is one of the deadliest forces in the world; it causes much pain and suffering and creates division. Forgiveness…
United Series, Week 1: Loving When It’s Complicated – August 26-30
As Christians, our love for each other is to be unconditional and unwavering no matter what. In Scripture, we find a person who comes from a very different background, yet models this kind of love for someone who really should have been his enemy. Jonathan’s friendship with David is the epitome of how to “love…