Respond to Life’s Realities

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, . . . a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8)
       Passage: Romans 12:9-15

         What is going to happen to you or around you over the next 24 hours or the next week or the next month? You may have some idea of a few things that you have planned on a calendar, but you do not know with certainty what will happen or what may interrupt and change those plans. Solomon observed and pointed out that as we live in time, we will encounter a dichotomy of experiences. We can’t choose much of what happens, but by God’s grace, we can always choose our response.
        It is easy to respond well to happy times. It’s not easy in difficult and sad times. Yet, it is those times when the trials we face can lead to some of the deepest testimonies we give. In Romans 12, Paul gave us spiritual responses. Hate sin, but love sinners and bless even those who hurt us. Be joyful in all circumstances and pray continually. Come alongside of others. Rejoice with them when they share a good experience or achievement. Weep with them when they mourn. Let your responses to life’s realities reflect Christ to the world.     

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)