Relationship Challenges

RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES

Proverbs 12:14
“From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.”

Galatians 6:7-10
V. 7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

The three kids (Jesse, Cassie, and Randy) fell down, laughing hysterically. (See Being Vulnerable Devotion). “I am sorry for passing this gossip around, Cassie. My bad.” Randy admitted after catching his breath.

“Mark’s a good-looking guy, Randy. If he weren’t my cousin, I would be tempted to…oh no—that’d be too weird!” Cassie exclaimed—hands clamping her mouth shut.
They all burst out laughing again.

Jesse only knew that his heart was bursting with happiness, after having resolved this gossip issue between his classmates.

The person who sows in the Spirit, reaps eternal life. Jesse’s positive actions reaped benefit to all involved. Randy’s negative actions of spreading gossip could easily have led to harm. The difference between Jesse and Randy is who, or what each boy follows. When following the flesh, instead of God’s Spirit, people sow corruption.

What do corrupt actions reap?

This sowing/reaping (Relationship Challenges) devotion is a corollary (COR-ol-lar-ee, meaning a natural accompaniment) to the Being Vulnerable devotion. As we follow Jesus’ second greatest command (to treat others as we’d like to be treated), our actions reap benefits to everyone. Sowing kindness and respect towards others reap rewards and good will.

God sees all.

Walking in God’s Spirit also rewards believers with supernatural gifts. These are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). These gifts transform believers from the inside out, and provide all that is needed to live victoriously.

The challenge is to treat mean people with undeserved love and respect. Accepting this challenge and treating everyone well is always a win-win. Believers receive God’s blessings when following Jesus in obedience to His commands.

Do we recognize that obedience makes forgiveness possible, builds good character, and develops endurance?

What does sowing harmful actions reap? God sees all.

Take Home Nugget

When God’s children lead Spirit-filled lives, relationship challenges showcase God’s love in every circumstance. Living in the Spirit sows seeds of love, joy, and peace. This reaps rewards in our own lives, as well as in the lives of others (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Living a Spirit-filled life overcomes self-destructive needs to harbor bitterness and anger.

Love looks beyond what people are to how God intended them to be.

J.D. Griffith

“Lord, help us to believe in people
And all that in them You can do,
So we can say we’ve loved too many,
Rather than too few.”

Sper

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Written for Bible Study for Kids.