Sunday, April 28, 2024

Have you ever played the comparison game? You know the one where you are thankful for how together you have it compared to others. It can feel noble, but as Christ’s ambassadors, this lack of humility doesn’t draw people closer to God. In fact, it may push them away. And this pride definitely creates a riff between you and God.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21
²⁰ So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” ²¹ For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

This week, ask God to open your eyes to the places you need to humble yourself before him. Set aside any distractions, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Ask the Lord to reveal where you are prone to avoid people if they are messy or broken—where you have the tendency to compare and condemn. Then ask God to transform you into his ambassador, drawing people toward the love Christ offers.

Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.

Prayer:
Father, I confess I am sometimes prone to proudly bolstering myself up when I compare what I am doing to others. But there is no one who is righteous, not one. Instead, today, fill me with your love and help me be a light to others, an ambassador for the love you offer the world through Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

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Discussion Questions:
Icebreaker: What is something you are good at?

How can confidence in our own righteousness distort our view of God?

Read Luke 18:10-14. Compare and contrast the two men in the story. What do you learn about God? What role does humility play?

Have you ever been tempted to separate yourself from those considered broken or messy? Explain.

In what area(s) do you need to humble yourself before God? What is one way you can do that today?

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.