11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:11-15

Questions for Reflection:

What would you say marks the difference between "Jesus-y forgiveness" and "Flesh-y forgiveness?"

Have you experienced self sacrificing forgiveness from another brother or sister in Christ? How did that impact you?

Is there anyone in your life currently that you need to forgive? How can you tap into some Holy Spirit "able-to-do-ness" to do that?

Prayer of the Week:

Heavenly Father, You are my true Father, who loves me very much. I love you, I trust You, I worship You and step by faith into my true identity as Your lavishly loved child – the identity given to me in my baptism.

Father I join forces with Your entire family praying “Hallowed be Your name on earth as it is in heaven.”

“Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” “You Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

(Pause and strategically pray these three petitions over the real life situations you are facing. You are calling in the coordinates asking Him to act.)

Father, I join forces with Your entire family praying “Give us this day our daily bread”. I recognize and ask for your care and provision for all of my physical needs from finances to food, a warm bed to a running car, medical care to retirement income …. It is all from your hand. Thank you. In praying I surrender my needs to Your care and I surrender my sometimes incessant need to worry about all these things. Help me trust You Father.

Father, I join forces with Your entire family praying “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us”. Father you are leading me to recognize my deep need for Your forgiveness. Forgive me of my every sin, Father. (Confess any specific sin burdens that today weigh on your heart.) I receive Your complete and total forgiveness. Lead me now Father as I recall any grudges, retribution or unforgiveness harboring in me against those who have sinned against me. I now surrender this all to You and make the decision to “let it go … into Your hands” … to forgive.

Help me Father to live forgiven and forgiving.

Father, I join forces with Your entire family praying “Lead us not (only) into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”.

Father help us recognize and follow Your leading as we contend for Your Kingdom in this war zone of a world. Even more, Deliver us from the evil one. Jesus, You are the only one who is completely victorious over evil and we go forward this day facing whatever evil may come in the power of Your name. Deliver us from evil Father, deliver us.

Father, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for calling me to be a contender for You and Your kingdom as I live the meaningful life You intend today.

Amen