Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Monday May 6, 2024

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria 

Grace for Living Devotional 

Monday May 6, 2024

TOPIC: TOLERANCE IS PROFITABLE IN CHRISTIAN HOMES

BIBLE READING:

COLOSSIANS 3:12-15

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  

KEY VERSE:

Make allowance for each other’s fault, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13  

MEDITATION:

Andrew returned from lectures tired one evening and his younger brother, Seth, who shared same room with him had left the toilet unflushed since morning when they both left for classes. This habit had gone on for over 3 weeks since Seth joined Andrew in his room. Seth only tersely apologized each time his attention was called by his elder brother to this unhealthy habit. Andrew called their mum to complain but kept on flushing and cleaning the toilet each time it was messed up. For the whole semester of 18 weeks, Andrew tolerated Seth. He exhibited a high degree of forbearance that broke Seth down towards the end of the semester who started to amend his bad habit. Andrew won the heart of his younger sibling by the conscious and deliberate efforts he made to accommodate his bad habit and behaviour.   

The Bible reminds us in Psalm 86:15 that our God is merciful and compassionate. Despite our faults and imperfections, the Lord is always ready to forgive and restore us. Therefore, Christian homes should tolerate one another, practice genuine forgiveness and demonstrate biblical love even in an atmosphere of blatant provocation. These virtues have the potential of drawing members of our families closer to God, as it did Seth.  

Forbearing one another in love even in their nasty and rebellious attitudes within the family allows us to remember how much God tolerates and forgives us.   

What is your threshold of tolerance in the face of provocation?     

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, give me the grace to tolerate, forgive and love my family members.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

1 Kings 14-15; John 1:1-28