THEE Word for the Week: February 15–19, 2010

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ACCEPTING ONE ANOTHER Rom. 15:7; Rom 14:1-4, 21 February 15-19, 2010
Monday ‐ Read Romans 15:1-7
• How did you or do you currently deal with conflict among your siblings? If you are the older sibling, does it affect your responsibility or attitude toward the younger? Why or why not? Does Rom 15:1 address this issue? The word for "bear" means "to be able to bear up under especially trying or oppressive circumstances." • It is often in family or other close relationships that we are most "burdened." Spend five minutes in prayer talking to God about any burden that is on your heart. • How do Rom 15:1 and Rom 15:7 relate in how you should respond to that burden? How does that make you feel? Spend some time writing down your thoughts. Tuesday ‐ Read Romans 15:1-7 • In Rom 15:7, "to accept" carries the idea of extending a welcome to someone, especially another believer, into one's home or circle of influence. • Are there any relationships in your life in which you have not applied Rom 15:1-7? • What are some steps you can take in order make this teaching a reality in your life? • How should Christ's acceptance of you impact your response (Rom 15:17b)? Wednesday - Read Romans 14:1-4 • In what areas are some believers weak in their ability to determine the correct course of action? In what areas are you weak? • From your knowledge of the Jewish dietary laws and regulations regarding the Sabbath, how do you think unity between the Jews and Gentiles was impacted in the church at Rome? These differences were "disputable" or "unclear" as far as moral instruction. • Make a list of some "disputable" issues that you have discussed in recent days. Did it lead to improper thoughts or actions? In what ways should you respond differently? Thursday - Read Romans 14:5-18 • What should your actions be in response to someone with whom you might have a disagreement (Rom 14:4, 13)? • Make a plan of principles that will guide you in responding to some of the differences of opinion you may experience in the future. • Ask the Lord to help you respond accordingly. • Share this plan with a close friend and ask him or her to help hold you accountable to it. Friday - Read Romans 14:19-21 • Have you ever tripped while walking or running? Did someone cause your fall? Did your knees, elbows, or head get bruised and scraped? How long did it take you to heal? On the spiritual side, what do you think Paul means by the words "stumble" and "fall" in verses 2021? How would this affect a person's ability to experience community or "heal" spiritually? • Ask the Lord to give you a tender heart toward areas in your life that you may need to give up in order to prevent any believer from falling? Are you willing to give up that freedom? Why or why not?