DEVOTIONS
Monday: Relationships would be SO much easier if everybody would just do what we want, wouldn’t they? Unfortunately, that ain’t how relationships work. Read Colossians 3:18–19 today. Following Jesus affects more than Sunday morning…it changes how we treat the people closest to us. Before worrying about what somebody else should be doing, ask, “Am I showing THEM Jesus?” Lord, help me stop keeping score and start showing Your love. Change me first, and let my relationships reflect You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tuesday: “Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them.” Read Colossians 3:19 again…Paul didn’t leave much wiggle room. Biblical love isn’t merely flowers, date nights, and saying the right words. It’s patience, kindness, forgiveness, sacrifice, and grace…especially when we don’t feel like it. Jesus didn’t love us because we earned it. He loved us because love is who He is. Father, teach me to love sacrificially, forgive quickly, and give grace freely to those closest to me. Help me be You around here. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Wednesday: Read Colossians 3:20–21 and notice Paul speaks to BOTH sides of the parent-child relationship. Children should obey…but parents shouldn’t provoke or discourage. Sometimes we’re great at finding what somebody else needs to fix while overlooking ourselves. Healthy relationships require humility from everybody involved. Maybe the question ain’t, “Why won’t they change?” but, “Lord, what needs changing in ME?” Father, give me humility to see my own faults. Help my words encourage, strengthen, & build up. In Jesus, amen.
Thursday: Some relationships are chosen. Others come with the job. Colossians 3:22–25 teaches us how followers of Jesus should work: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord.” Your boss may not notice. Your coworkers may not appreciate it. Nobody may say “thank you”, but Jesus sees. Followers of Jesus should bring something different into the workplace because we represent Jesus. Lord, help me work with integrity and kindness today, allowing others to see You through me. In Jesus name, amen.
Friday: Colossians 4:1 reminds those with authority that they answer to Someone too. Whether you’re a supervisor, parent, teacher, coach, elder, or simply somebody others look up to…authority isn’t permission to treat people poorly. Jesus had all authority, yet He washed feet. Leadership that looks like Jesus doesn’t ask, “How important am I?” It asks, “How can I serve?” Father, keep pride far away from me. Help me use whatever influence I have to serve, encourage, and love others well. Help me lead well. In Jesus name, amen.
Saturday: Jesus makes every relationship better when we actually let Him lead. Not perfect…better. Marriages, families, workplaces all need Jesus. Churches most definitely need Jesus. Instead of waiting for everybody around us to act more like Christ, start with the person in the mirror. As you prepare for worship tomorrow, reread Colossians 3:18–4:1 and ask where you personally need to grow. Lord, rule my heart, words, attitude, and relationships. Let others experience Your love through the way I treat them. In Jesus’ name, amen.