Post-Its

Tonight at Small Group, we discussed Sunday's message, focusing primarily on Letting Others Off the Hook. Rich led a discussion about how when someone treats us poorly and we judge them, we often end up labeling them forever based on one action. Rich gave the analogy of placeing a post-it note on their forehead with their label. "Jerk." "Rude." "Selfish." In judging someone and labeling them, we begin to expect them to act a certain way. This expectation often leads to us treating them differently, and to them acting accordingly - the tongue can bring life or death. Also, by labeling someone and judging them, truthfully, we must have a lot of pride in ourselves. It takes humbling ourselves to be able to remove the label from others.

Rich shared studies where 100 percent of people in mental institutions had some form of unforgiveness in their lives, and a significant number of cancer patients shared the same. I'm wondering if you ask the entire population, if you'd find that a majority of all people struggle with unforgiveness - regardless, they're still startling statistics.

Rich challenged us to consider our lives and try to recognize any unforgiveness we've been harboring. He also challenged us to remove the post-its from others that we've judged. Lastly, we talked about identifying what labels others have put on us, and considering either confronting them about their judgement (in a positive and respectful way), or praying that God will remove the power of their words over us.

Such a great message, and a great time fellowshipping with one another. I love my small group!

Dear Lord,

I pray tonight a prayer of blessing and thanks over my small group. Praise You, God, for bringing me into relationships with such amazing individuals, and for bringing us closer together this semester. I'm so thankful that we'll continue to meet next semester, too!

Lord, as I enter these next few weeks, I pray that You will help reveal areas in my life where I need to forgive - and give me the courage, strength and humility to do so. Open my eyes to the post-its I've placed on others, and help me to remove them, and replace them with positive and affirming labels. For those who have judged me, I pray that You will bind the power of their words (and of my own in believing their words) and rescue me from the power of negativity.

I praise You, Lord, for the blessings You've bestowed upon me and my family and friends! Thank You for everything You're doing in my life and in the lives of my family!

Love,
~Justin