I NEED YOUR HELP: We are at the midpoint of our journey together. What have you been learning through these 40 days of purpose? Would you be willing to share His story in your life?
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE send me an email and start the process.
POINT TO PONDER:Relationships are worth restoring.
REFLECT: How did today's reading impact you?
       "Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and 
   the growth of our fellowship together." (Romans 14:19 - Phillips)

       "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through
   the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3 - New International Version)
Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than His body, His bride -- the Church. He gave up His own life for it, and He wants it protected, especially from the devastating damage that is caused by division, conflict, and disharmony. If I am part of God's family, it is my responsibility to protect the unity where I fellowship. I don't need to create unity, the Holy Spirit has united us already in Christ. But I have been called into active duty-- commissioned by Jesus Christ to do everything possible to preserve the unity, protect the fellowship and promote the harmony in the church family and among all believers. How do we do this? The Bible offers some very practical advice.
  1. Focus on what we have in common, not our differences.

    2. Conflict is usually a sign that focus has shifted to less important issues. When we focus on personalities, preferences, interpretations, styles, or methods, division always happens. But if we concentrate on loving each other and fulfilling God's purposes, harmony results.
  2. Be realistic in my expectations.
  3. Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
  4. Refuse to listen to gossip.

    5. If I listen to gossip, God says I am a troublemaker. When someone begins to gossip to you, have the courage to say, "Please stop. I do not need to know this. Have you talked directly to this person?"
  5. Support my leaders.
  6. Practice God's method for conflict resolution.

    7. Matthew 5:22-24 and Matt 18:15-17 show that Jesus wants me to take the initiative to restore the relationship.
Here's the challenge- It is my responsibility to protect and promote the unity of my church. Do I accept this charge? It is not easy, and sometimes I will need to do what is best for the Body, not me, showing preference to others. In community, we learn to say "we" instead of "I," and "our" instead of "mine."
"What can I personally do to make my church family more warm and loving? There are many people in our community who are looking for love and a place to belong. The truth is, everyone needs and wants to be loved, and when people find a church where members genuinely love and care for each other, you would need to lock the doors to keep them away."
PRAYER:
"Gracious Father, thank You for the church family you have placed me in. I recognize that it is a critical part in fulfilling your purpose in my life Give me boldness today to vigorously protect the unity in every way I can. Amen
FOR MY CONSIDERATION:
    What can I personally do today to protect and promote unity in my church? Can I have the courage to stop gossip before it hits my ears?
This week's Memory verse: 
 	"... so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member 
	belongs to all the others."	  Romans 12:15 (NIV)
CBF Home How can we help you in this journey? Please let us know
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