Devotion
If we are going to be in unity and agreement, as one body... There’s definitely gonna be some things that we need to let go of. We can’t let our differences define us. If we are the JC Squad, we are brought together by Jesus Christ Himself and so we need to stay united in Jesus Christ. We gotta praise together, pray together, laugh together, cry together, grow together while we stick together… and that’s how we’ll reach the world together. When Jesus came to this earth, He came to reconcile (big word meaning to end any separation- to bring back together) us and God, and us to each other. Regardless of people’s religion or race, their age or their gender, their occupation or their location.. Jesus came to reach us all. He came to wash away anything that would divide or separate us, and to unite us in Him. He did this by forgiving us of all of our sins, and He asks us to then forgive others that sin against us. In the JC Squad, you’re going to get hurt and offended at some point, by someone... There’s no avoiding it cause we are all human and we all make mistakes. But God gave us a key to let go, and heal, and to make things new... And it’s to forgive. Who do you need to forgive and what do you need to let go of today? What differences do you need to lay aside to stick with and love the JC Squad that God has positioned you in?
Scripture
Colossians 3:11-15 (NLT)
In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
