Teaching Tolerance (Day 4 of 4)

SHARING THE TRUTH IN LOVE 

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:15 KJV)

TALKING TO GOD 
Ask God to give you a loving attitude toward people who are different from you and for the opportunities to share His love with them. 

DIVING IN 
Place a dab of toothpaste on your lips. Ask your family members to suggest how they would tell you that you had toothpaste on your lips if you were a famous actor. Have someone else put on the toothpaste and ask the family to address him or her as if that person were your pastor. Continue changing roles to tell a good friend, a school bully, a stranger and a grouchy teacher about the toothpaste on their faces. 

GOING DEEPER 
Just as it might be hard or awkward to tell a famous actor or a stranger that she has toothpaste on her lips, so sharing God's truth can feel difficult. But authentic, biblical tolerance allows you to treat others well, even when you have something to share that they may not want to hear. Think about the way you role-played talking to someone you respected, such as a pastor or a famous person. You were probably careful to show respect and kindness as you shared the truth. By treating all people, including those who are different from you, with the same kindness and respect, you can more effectively share the Gospel with them. In Luke 10:27, Jesus says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Rely on God's love when sharing His truth. 

TALKING TO EACH OTHER 
- Is it difficult for you to share God's truth with nonbelievers? Why? 
- How could you show God's love to a friend who doesn't believe in Jesus? 
- What kind words could you use with someone whose opinion of God is different from yours?

Teaching Tolerance (Day 3 of 4)

SEEING NEEDS AND SHOWING COMPASSION

Matthew 9:36 — But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Talking to God
Ask God to help you see others as He sees them and to give you a heart of compassion for those who do not have a relationship with Him.

Diving In
Clear a space in your home where you can walk around blindfolded and not hurt yourself. Turn up the volume on a radio so that it drowns out your normal speaking voice. On one side of the room, blindfold a family member. From across the room, have another family member whisper directions that guide the blindfolded person to him or her. Ask the whisperer to gradually speak up until the blindfolded person can hear the directions and safely make it to the other side of the room.

Going Deeper
One of the reasons that Jesus came into the world was to help the blind see. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus says, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." People who do not know God are like people who are blind or blindfolded. They cannot find their way to God and to His forgiveness and love. They are "spiritually blind" and need the guidance of God's truth to lead them in the right direction. To make matters worse, the noises of the world — such as people's differing opinions about God — often drown out the truth that would guide them. They may listen to and agree with many wrong opinions and follow what seems best or easiest to them.

Clear directions helped your blindfolded family member cross the floor amid the blaring sounds of a radio. In much the same way, Jesus wants to help those who do not have a relationship with God find their way to Him. He is the way through the distracting noises of the world, and He has compassion on them because they are blind and confused. As followers of Christ, we should have the same attitude toward those who are spiritually blind.

Talking to Each Other
—How did it feel to try and listen for or give the directions with the distracting noise?
—What "noises" might keep nonbelievers from hearing God's love for them?
—How might thinking of nonbelievers as being spiritually blind help you show them compassion?

Teaching Tolerance (Day 2 of 4)

GOD IS THE JUDGE

Luke 23:34 — Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Talking to God
Ask God to help you show love and tolerance to people who don't have a relationship with Him.

Diving In
Write "Jesus loves you" on a sheet of paper. On a second sheet, write "USEOJOSVUESLY," which is a scrambled version of the sentence. Then tell your family that you have an important message for them. Show the scrambled message to your family. When they express confusion over the message, show them the real message.

Going Deeper
People who don't have a relationship with God are not able to understand the truth of the Gospel. For them, God's Word is just like a scrambled message. Without this understanding, they will make wrong choices in life, even when they're trying to do what is right. In 1 Corinthians 5:12, the apostle Paul says, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside of the church." God is the only one qualified to judge nonbelievers, people outside of the church. People who are not living according to God's Word may frustrate you, but as a believer, you shouldn't judge them or treat them harshly. Instead, you can offer them biblical tolerance — treating them with respect and patience even though you disagree with their poor choices.

Talking to Each Other
—Who can judge nonbelievers?
—How should you treat those who don't know Jesus?

Teaching Tolerance (Day 1 of 4)

BIBLICAL TOLERANCE

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 — I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days.

Talking to God
Thank God for the people in your life who help you learn more about Him. Ask God to help you recognize when other people's opinions do not agree with His Word.

Diving In
Hide a toy or snack in a place where family members would not think to look for it. Set a timer for five minutes, and tell them they can ask you questions about the location of the item while they hunt for it. (Here's the catch: When they do ask, shrug and give them random answers such as "blue" or "astronaut.") When the timer goes off, set it for another five minutes. But this time, answer their questions correctly to help them quickly find the item.

Going Deeper
Notice how it was impossible to find the hidden item when random answers were given. The item was easy to find, though, when the questions were answered correctly. People who are searching for something want clear directions. Some people think it doesn't matter how you seek God or what you believe about Him. This "anything goes" attitude toward God is one form of what the world calls tolerance. The world's definition is not helpful to people who truly want a relationship with God. God's Word, on the other hand, gives very clear instructions. It does not treat all beliefs as equal; instead, it points to the one and only path, which is found in Jesus. Matthew 7:13-14 says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." What you choose to believe about God matters. It is the most important choice of your life.

Talking to Each Other
—How did unhelpful directions make you feel?
—Why are the right directions important when you're searching for something?
—What directions does God give us through His Word?

Decisions (Day 7 of 7)

PRAY: God, connect with me here, as I seek you in your Word. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.

READ: The section of Scripture below slowly. Take note of intriguing words and phrases and read them a second time.

REFLECT: On what strikes you as you read. Think through what God is communicating to you at this point in your life.

RESPOND: To the passage. Speak to God directly about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 -- Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

Decisions (Day 6 of 7)

PRAY: God, connect with me here, as I seek you in your Word. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.

READ: The section of Scripture below slowly. Take note of intriguing words and phrases and read them a second time.

REFLECT: On what strikes you as you read. Think through what God is communicating to you at this point in your life.

RESPOND: To the passage. Speak to God directly about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered.

Psalms 77:11-12 — I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Decisions (Day 5 of 7)

PRAY: God, connect with me here, as I seek you in your Word. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.

READ: The section of Scripture below slowly. Take note of intriguing words and phrases and read them a second time.

REFLECT: On what strikes you as you read. Think through what God is communicating to you at this point in your life.

RESPOND: To the passage. Speak to God directly about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered.

James 1:5-6 — If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Decisions (Day 4 of 7)

PRAY: God, connect with me here, as I seek you in your Word. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.

READ: The section of Scripture below slowly. Take note of intriguing words and phrases and read them a second time.

REFLECT: On what strikes you as you read. Think through what God is communicating to you at this point in your life.

RESPOND: To the passage. Speak to God directly about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered.

Psalms 143:7-8 — Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Decisions (Day 3 of 7)

PRAY: God, connect with me here, as I seek you in your Word. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.

READ: The section of Scripture below slowly. Take note of intriguing words and phrases and read them a second time.

REFLECT: On what strikes you as you read. Think through what God is communicating to you at this point in your life.

RESPOND: To the passage. Speak to God directly about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered.

Luke 23:38-43 — There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the King of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Decisions (Day 2 of 7)

PRAY: God, connect with me here, as I seek you in your Word. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.

READ: The section of Scripture below slowly. Take note of intriguing words and phrases and read them a second time.

REFLECT: On what strikes you as you read. Think through what God is communicating to you at this point in your life.

RESPOND: To the passage. Speak to God directly about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered.

Philippians 4:6-7 — Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Decisions (Day 1 of 7)

PRAY: God, connect with me here, as I seek you in your Word. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.

READ: The section of Scripture below slowly. Take note of intriguing words and phrases and read them a second time.

REFLECT: On what strikes you as you read. Think through what God is communicating to you at this point in your life.

RESPOND: To the passage. Speak to God directly about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered.

Proverbs 3:5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Talking With God In Prayer (Day 4 of 4)

 
DAY 4 — YEARNING FOR GOD

John 4:14 — but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

Talking to God
Thank God that He loves you and wants you to learn to talk to Him through prayer. Ask God to teach you how to pray.

Diving In
Make three sets of note cards with the following words/phrases on them: grandparent, best friend, your pastor, grocery store clerk and a cousin. Spread out the first stack according to the person you talk to most at the top and the person you talk to the least at the bottom. Arrange the second set in the same way, with the person you most want to be around at the top. Line the third set next to the other two, with the person you most miss at the top. Compare how similar your lists are.

Going Deeper
Prayer is simply talking to God, who loves you and wants what is best for you. Just as you may miss someone you love when he is gone, your spirit misses God when you do not spend time talking to Him. The Bible often says that this longing to be with God is like being thirsty or hungry. Read Psalm 42:1-2: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" You can go to God in prayer and find Him, just as the deer finds water in a stream when it is thirsty.

Talking to Each Other
—What do you think about when you are hungry or thirsty?
—How is being with God similar to being with a person you love? How is it different?
—How might you tell that your spirit is thirsty to be with God?