better

together
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Why are we here in the
earth?
R I C K WARREN
EDITOR GENERAL

better
together
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What are we doing here in the
earth?
 CONTENT
Pgs
INTRODUCTION BY PASTOR RICK WARREN

BETTER TOGETHER: DAILY DEVOTIONS AND STUDY GUIDE

WE MUST LOVE THE FAMILY OF GOD

Day 1 Because God loves us...
Day 2 Because God commands us
Day 3 Because this is how we love God...
Day 4 Because it shows that we are saved
Day 5 Because we are a family
Day 6 Because we practice for eternity..............................
Day 7 Because this is how we testify to the world.
WE ARE COMMISSIONED TO REACH OTHERS TOGETHER
Day 8 Intentionally Reaching Them................................................................

Day 9 Reaching them with friendship

Day 10 Reaching them with hospitality
Day 11 Reaching them with acceptance
Day 12 Reaching them with a practical example.
Day 13 Reaching them together..........................................................

Day 14 Reaching them everywhere.

WE WERE CHOSEN TO ENJOY COMPANIONSHIP TOGETHER

Day 15 Admitting that we need each other...
Day 16 Committing to one another...
Day 17 Respecting each other
Day 18 Supporting each other...
Day 19 Getting along with one another
Day 20 Being patient with one another...
Day 21 Being honest with one another...

WE ARE RELATED TO GROW TOGETHER

Day 22 We grow with the experiences of others.
Day 23 We grow when we encourage each other...
Day 24 We grow by teaching others...
Day 25 We grow by advising others.
Day 26 We grow by honoring others...
Day 27 We grow by confessing to one another........................................
Day 28 We grow by forgiving each other.

WE WERE CALLED TO SERVE TOGETHER

Day 29 Serving each other with enthusiasm...
Day 30 Serving practically one another...
Day 31 Serving generously to one another...
Day 32 Humbly serving one another...
Day 33 Serving each other creatively
Day 34 Serving one another with sacrifice...
Day 35 Cooperating in service together

WE WERE CREATED TO WORSHIP TOGETHER

Day 36 Worshiping together weekly...
Day 37 Preparing your heart for worship...
Day 38 Praying together...
Day 39 Offering together...
Day 40 Praising God together

STUDY GUIDE: 40 Days of Community

How to use this study guide
How to use this video resume...
Lesson 1: What Matters Most
Lesson 2: Reaching together......................................................
Lesson 3: Belonging Together.
Lesson 4: Growing together
Lesson 5: Serving together
Lesson 6: Worshiping Together

Materials for the small group

Advice for hosts
Frequently asked questions
Rules for purpose groups
Life circles
Small group. Prayer and praise report.
Small group almanac
Key response
My small group. List of information and communications.
Additional materials
Dear friends:

During 40 days with purpose, we discovered that God placed each of us on the earth.
we, with five purposes: to know Him and love Him (worship), to learn to love each other
others (companionship), to grow in the likeness of Jesus (discipleship), to practice the use of
our talents at the service of God (ministry), and to bring the Good News to others
(evangelism). Today, millions of people around the world have begun to enjoy living
life with purpose.
But this purposeful life that God wants for you does not mean living it alone.
It is a fact that it is impossible for us to be able to fulfill the five purposes of God for our lives alone.
We need each other! From the beginning, God's plan has been for you to fulfill
their purposes in the community with other people, family members from their church, from their
small group and the world around it. Why did God plan it this way? Because Together
we are doing better!
The 40-day community goal is to water the seeds of purpose that were sown in you.
life for 40 days with purpose and help him take the next step towards spiritual maturity and a
life that makes sense on earth. 40 days of community will deepen their understanding of how
God uses other people, specifically others in His church family, for your good and
growth. It will also demonstrate how God can use it for the blessing of others.
Our focus for the next 40 days will be to fulfill the five purposes of
God. We will do this in two ways: first, we will root the community of love within the
family of the church and second, we will reach out with love to the community surrounding the church.
Both aspects are essential for a healthy and balanced life with purpose.
Your participation in this small group will be a very essential part of 40 days of
community. True community (koinonia) is lived, not taught. In their group, not only
you will learn how to build community, we hope you will also experience it.

Five reasons why we need each other

40 days of purpose focuses on this question: 'What am I here for?' Now we are ready.
for the second question: 'Why are we here?' During the next six weeks
we will examine the five reasons why we need each other to fulfill the
purposes of God in our lives. Here you will see a review of the reasons:
Together we have better fellowship! The Bible says that you were created to
enjoy companionship, and it's obvious that they can't have companionship alone! At least they
They need two people. At the same time, one cannot have companionship with a crowd.
True companionship happens in a small group of people. That is why Jesus had
a small group of twelve disciples. The model of fellowship.
A community does not form automatically. And joining a church does not guarantee the
companionship! You can attend church services your entire life and still
feeling lonely and without relationships. The Bible says: I urge you, brothers, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, may all live in harmony and there be no divisions among you, but rather that you
stay united in the same mind and in the same purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10). Note that
We must learn to have camaraderie; it must be deliberately cultivated.
What does it mean to cultivate a life together? In the Bible, the Greek word for
Fellowship is koinonia. It means being as responsible for one another as we are for ourselves.
Jesus Christ. True fellowship takes us beyond just socializing or studying.
together and at deeper levels of serving together and, sometimes even, suffering together. That kind of
Camaraderie is the antidote to the penetrating loneliness that haunts many people.
Together we grow better! Just like your hand cannot grow if it is separated from your body.
Body, you cannot grow spiritually if you are apart from fellowship with a body.
place of believers. The Bible says that together we form the Body of Christ. As such, each
Member of the body is important and necessary for the body to function according to how it is.
designed.
During 40 days of community, we will practice some of the best ways to
helping each other to grow spiritually, for example by accepting one another
(Colossians 3:16). Just as a baby needs a family to develop, you also
You need a spiritual family to become all that God intends for you to be.
Some people think that the only way to be holy or righteous is to live in isolation,
to become a hermit in a cave so that humanity does not stain him. But Jesus the
the holiest person who ever lived, lived among us, in the midst of all our
problems. He comforted the poor, spent time with the marginalized, touched the lepers, and associated with
with all kinds of problematic people and bad habits. Religious leaders called it
"friend of sinners", a derogatory term, but Jesus considered it evidence of his
love.
It is only in community that we will learn the most important lesson of life: to learn to
Love. Without connecting with each other, we will never be able to develop patience, kindness, selflessness,
forgiveness and all the other qualities similar to Christ that God wants us to possess.
Together we serve better! Pablo urged the believers in the church of Philippi: Fill me with
joy in having the same mind, the same love, united in spirit and thought (Philippians
Serving God together, instead of doing it alone, has many benefits: we help each other
we compensate for weaknesses, we are more efficient, we multiply our efficiency, we can
overcome greater problems and we can support each other when we are tired or
disheartened.
Did you know that the talents you possess are not for your benefit? God gave them to you for others.
the benefit of others. And to others, he gave talents to benefit you. In this way,
None of us can assert with arrogance that we are completely self-sufficient.
God wants us to depend on one another to fulfill His purposes.
In reality, our talents are best utilized when we combine them with the talents of others.
others. As the Bible says: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9). Serving God together is the way God instituted it and for 40 days of
In the community, many of us experienced the joy of serving together for the first time.
Together we worship better! Worshiping together increases our joy, expands our
perspective, helps others to believe and ensures the presence of God among us. Jesus said:
for where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them (Matthew 18:20).
Although it is true that God is always with us, there is a unique and powerful sense of His
a presence that can only be enjoyed and experienced in community with other believers.
Worshiping with other believers helps us to see beyond ourselves and our
problems. C.S. Lewis, the brilliant author and professor at Oxford University, was asked
about the importance of worshiping together. He shared his first experience attending the services.
from the church: 'I did not like the hymns at all, I considered them fifth-rate poems with
fifth-rate music. But as I kept going, I recognized the great merit of it all
that... and gradually my vanity began to peel away. I understood that, however, a saint
an elderly man with elastic-sided boots on the opposite bench sang the hymns with devotion
sixth category, I recognized that I was not worthy of wearing those boots. Ador together takes us out of our
solitary vanity.
Together we achieve better! The Bible says: whatever happens, behave in a way
worthy of the gospel of Christ...I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, striving together
by the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27). God expects us to become partners in
others to carry the Good News to others.
A practical way for you to do this is to invite people from your community.
to participate in this small group with you. Many people who may have doubts about
coming to visit a church service, they would gladly accept the invitation to a group of
informal study in a home or office. Don't miss this opportunity, it's perfect to reach...
the neighbors, friends, and coworkers.

It's time for us to put love into action.

Another way your small group can reach together is through a project of
scope in group. Right there in your community, there are many opportunities: the poor need
feeding, those confined at home who need a visit, the elderly who may need
some help around the house with repairs or work in the yard, children with a father/mother
single people who need a mentor and people around them who need to know that God loves them
that has a purpose for their lives. That is why he sent Jesus to die for them.
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus tells us that one day we will all stand before God and a
One of the things he will evaluate regarding us is how we treat other people: 'because
I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me;
they provided lodging; I needed clothes, and they dressed me; I was sick, and they took care of me; I was in the
prison, and they visited me.” And the just answered him: “Lord, when did we see you hungry and you
we fed you, the thirsty, and gave you to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and gave you
housing, or in need of clothing and we clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and you
Did we visit?” The King will reply: “I assure you that whatever you did for one of my brothers,
even for the smallest one, they did it for me.
It's time for us to put love into action. Imagine what would happen if each group
little in his church would go out to reach others together, showing their love in practical ways to
Those in the community. Do you not think this would make a difference in your community?
Now imagine what would happen if the small groups of all purpose-driven churches...
throughout the country they would go out with you! Millions of lives would be impacted, millions of people
they would begin a relationship with Christ, millions of practical needs could be met and the
the church would come to be known more for the love it shows than for the things it opposes.
God would be pleased and we would see a spiritual awakening that our culture needs with
desperation.
On this day, God is moving in amazing ways in thousands of churches. I invite you to
be part of history! This is an invitation to become part of a great movement
of people and churches with purpose who are living for the glory of God on a global scale.
Once someone pointed out that snowflakes are fragile, but when many of them come together
they can stop traffic. In the same way, maybe you and I believe that as individuals we do not
we can make a big difference but together, with others in your small group, with the family of
your church and with other congregations that are also committed to the purposes of God,
we can make a difference in our culture and in our world. That is the wonderful power
of the community!
It is not an accident that you are part of these 40 days of community. Before being born,
God chose him to be an instrument of transformation and to make an impact with his life.
For good. Do you want to take the next step to develop a life with purpose and meaning?
So we are going to come together for these 40 days of spiritual pilgrimage, diving deeper into the
community of love in the church and reaching out in love to the community surrounding the church.
Together we do better!
With admiration for you.

Rick Warren

A note about this manual:

This 40 Days of Community manual contains everything you need for your pilgrimage.
Includes:
The 40 daily readings, based on 40 'one another' from the Bible. These short
Daily readings will support what your pastor teaches every weekend and what you
I studied in your small group every week.
The pages of your diary where you can write the things you learn and the
measures taken as a result of daily readings, your study group and the
Messages from your pastor. You can share these perspectives with your small group.
 Your study guide and the materials for your weekly group meetings
small. Make sure to bring this manual to all your small group meetings.
During these 40 days, I urge you to limit the time you spend on television and on any
another activity that distracts them and prevents them from making the most of this pilgrimage in
set.

Better Together
Lecturas diarias y Diario
Topic: We must love the family of God

WHY DOES GOD LOVE US

Since God has loved us this way, we must also love one another.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Life consists of learning to love.

The purpose of your time on earth is not primarily to acquire possessions, gain status,
achieve successes or even experience happiness. Those are secondary matters. Life has to
see with love and the development of relationships with God, and with other people. You can have
success in many areas, but if you fail to learn to love God and others, then you will have
failed to reach the reason why God created you and placed you on this planet. Learn to love
It is the most important lesson of life. Jesus called it the 'Great Commandment' (Matthew 22:38)
There is nothing that can compare to it.

Why? Because God is love, and God wants you to be like Him. God loves you deeply and
unconditionally. Now He wants you to learn to respond to His love and love others,
especially to the believers of the family of God.

Here is the problem: Love does not come naturally to us. It is natural for man to think about
oneself first. Naturally, we do what is best for our own interest, often
without considering how it affects other people. However, we have hope that
as we grow we become more giving and less selfish; but we have
I have known people who never grew up and never considered anything but satisfying their
own desires, whims, and longings. Egocentrism in practice is the root of all problems,
both personally and globally.

Real love takes precedence over the needs of others before your own. Making you
problem, my problem. Giving to others without any guarantee that it will come back to you. It is giving to
others what they need, not what they deserve. Although love can create intense feelings, the
love is not a feeling. It is a choice, an action, a way of behaving, a
commitment. Love is sacrificing for others.

Many, in the world, have no idea what true love is about. The songs that say
"I need you, I love you, I should have you" are not love songs, but sensual songs. The
Real love focuses on how to serve you, not on how you can serve me. It is the opposite of
our selfish tendencies.

That is why we must learn to love. It is not easy. True love requires knowledge,
the grace of God, and a lot of practice. We must reprogram ourselves to think and
act in love.

During 40 Days of Community, we will practice loving one another for 40

different ways.
These forms will be called "one another" from the Bible. There are practical instructions to learn.
to love in real life situations.
Like a diamond, love is multifaceted. Each of these daily readings will help you
understand and practice a different aspect of love. Take some time each day to think about
serious about what you have read.
Learning genuine love is not easy, but it will bless your life more than you can imagine.
imagine you here on earth, and it will prepare you for eternity.

Of course, you cannot learn to love by yourself. You must develop relationships with many.
and different kinds of people to practice love with others. The Bible calls this being in
"community", which is another word for fellowship. To practice the commandments of
"one another" that God has given us, it is absolutely essential that you find a family in the
church and get involved in some kind of weekly study in a Small Group. A small group
Effective is more than just a Bible study, although that is an important ingredient. You
provides a time to interact, share, ask questions, and pray for one another. The community
it is the context where you will learn to love.

If all you do is read these daily devotionals, you will only get a fraction of everything
potential benefits. But if you meet weekly in a Small Group environment, with
six or eight more people, then you will have a practical laboratory where you can apply what
you learn.

Now the verse of the day is:

Since God has loved us in this way, we must love one another. (1 John 4:11)

This is the starting point to build a real community: realize how much God loves us.
He not only loves you; He loves everyone and each one in the same way, and He wants that His
children love one another.
There are three fundamental principles for living a life of love:

• God's love for us gives us a reason to love others.

• The love of God in us gives us the ability to love others.
• God's love through us gives us the way to love others.
FOR MEDITATION
Life consists of learning to love.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
We love God because he loved us first.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How comfortable do you feel in the 40 Days of Community Small Group?
 DIARY, day 1

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Theme: We must love the family of God

THE MOST IMPORTANT

WHY DID GOD SEND IT TO US

A new commandment I give to you: That you love one another.

Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.
John 13:34

Loving is an act of our will. God tells us that we must choose to love one another.
others. We must love our brothers without considering how we feel towards them or how much
they may seem unfriendly. No matter how difficult this may seem, we must love in a way
active, aware, and deeply engage the brothers that God brings into our lives, into our
congregations, and to our small groups.

Loving is a commandment. The decision to love is an act of obedience. God considers that
Loving one another is so important that we must do it (1 John 4:21). The apostle
Juan constantly describes love and obedience as synonyms: if you love
Jesus, you will obey his commandments (John 14:15, 23-24; 15:12, 14, 17; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; 2)
John 1:6.

Why is obedience related to love? Because it reflects the unity among the
believers with the same spirit within our congregations and groups
little ones, what is the foundation for work in the kingdom: 'This is the message that they have heard
from the beginning: that we love one another” (1 John 3:11). Christ breaks the myth
it says: "that love is based on pleasant thoughts or on excessive expressions of
feelings." It leads us to a definition of love at the highest level, where behavior and the
faith combines in a holy action.

Love is not a school romantic relationship or a relationship that arises from compatibility.
instead of this, true love is and will always be, like when a mother
trips over their baby's crib for the fifth time in one night, or when the passenger of a
a sinking ship gives its place to another in a lifeboat to save him. Love is
Christ dying on the cross for us, while we were lost in our
sins: (see Romans 5:8).

Jesus wants us to see people as highly valuable children of God, worthy of

our time, attention, and energy. As members of God's family, we must decide
to love, not whom to love.
Love needs a community. We cannot obey the commandments of
Christ isolated.
We need to be connected to others to love one another. By being in community
forces us to give up our 'fantasy relationships' which are a place where it is easy
getting along with those we know, and where every conflict is resolved in harmony.

God has designed each of us differently and He knows that each one brings their own
perspective and need to the community. The wounds, the habits, and the complexes that are
they bring to the group, they are potential factors for conflict, but God will use the conflict to
help us to believe in Christ.

Love implies high standards. Jesus said that we must behave among each other in the
the way He did with us. The love of Christ is generous, sacrificial, and submissive to
the will of the Father. His level of love is personal - extending towards the wicked,
looking beyond their faults and the deep needs of their hearts.

Your standard of love is so amazing that we can only reach it by faithfully adapting.
Galatians 2:20: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
this unfriendly person that I now love, I love because of the faith in the Son of God, who loved her
first and he gave himself for that person whom I see as unworthy of love.

Finally: as a community of purpose-driven believers, our love should not

should be measured by the minimum of what we can do, nor should it be limited to only those who do it
They deserve it. Our standard of true love is God '...he loved us and sent his Son so that
offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins.....Since God has us
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:10-11)

FOR MEDITATION
To love is an act of our will

VERSE TO REMEMBER
This new commandment I give to you: that you love one another. Just as I have
Beloved, you also must love one another." John 13:34

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can you now show the generous love of Christ to an unpleasant person?
 DIARY, day 2
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Theme: We must love the family of God

THE MOST IMPORTANT

BECAUSE THIS IS HOW WE SHOW OUR LOVE FOR GOD

He who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1 John 4:20

We love God by loving others.

The brothers around us are important to God, so they should be equally

important to us. In fact, if we say that we love God and do not love our
Brothers, it's like saying 'I love you very much but I dislike your wife.'

The Bible says, 'Everyone who loves has been born of Him and knows Him. Whoever does not love does not know God.'
because God is love."(1 John 4:7b-8). If we cannot love the people in the church that
sits next to us, whom we see. How can we ask God to love us if we do not
We see, for it is in the heavens?

The essence of love does not lie in what we think or do or provide to others, but in
how much we give of ourselves: "Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
He gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2). Our love
it drives us to set aside our needs in order to meet the needs of the
other believers in our small groups and congregations. Love one another
it means that we give up our preferences, comfort, goals, security, money, energy, or
time for the benefit of another person.

We love God when we see others in the same way that He sees us.
it means we should stop judging others by their appearance and start seeing them from the
heavenly perspectives (2 Corinthians 5:16). This vision of Christ allows us to see things as
God sees them, just as it is told in John 4, where Jesus meets the woman by the well.
Judging by appearances, she was a woman with a long history of sin, rejected.
by their own people because of their past, and by the Jews because of their ethnic origin. But
Jesus saw her true worth and her desperate need, and He filled it with His living water.

We love God when we are doers of the Word, and not merely listeners: "The one who
hears the word but does not put it into practice is like one who looks at his face in a mirror and,
after looking at himself, he goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. "(James 1:23-24). The fact is,
It is possible to study the Scriptures diligently and still not understand the love of God.
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.
And it is they who testify in my favor!
However, you do not want to come to me to have that life.” (John 5:39-40, NIV).

It is almost impossible to believe that someone sitting on one of the church benches, absorbing
the scriptures for 30 years, doing almost nothing -- little is done for those who are at their
around, and even cry out for the love of God. The Bible says: Whoever claims: I know him, but does not
he obeys his commandments, is a liar and does not have the truth. Instead, the love of God is
It is fully manifested in the life of the one who obeys his word. In this way we know that
We are united to Him: whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did (1 John 2:4-6).

The Bible says that we should show love whenever we have the opportunity to do so.
(Galatians 6:10), taking advantage of every opportunity that arises (Ephesians 5:2). Are you aware that
God constantly places people in front of you so that you can have the opportunity to
show him your love? Today you could mark a new beginning in your life, opening your eyes and
starting to look for the opportunities that God puts in your path.
The Bible teaches, "Never say to your neighbor, 'Come back later; I'll help you tomorrow,' if today...
you have what it takes to help him” (Proverbs 3:28). Why is today the best time to express the
Love? Because you don't know how much time will pass before you have another chance to express it.
Circumstances change.
Children grow up, people die. You have no guarantee of tomorrow. If you want to express your
love, you must do it now.
Knowing that one day you will be before God, here are some questions you should
to consider.

• How would you explain the times when your projects or your things meant more to you?
Are people more important?
• Who should you start dedicating more time to?
• What do you need to discard from your agenda for this to be possible?
• What sacrifices do you need to make?

FOR MEDITATION
We love God because we love others

VERSE TO REMEMBER
He who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1 John 4:20b

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
In what way can you show your love for others who demonstrate their love for God?
 DIARY, day 3
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Theme: We must love the family of God

THE MOST IMPORTANT

BECAUSE THIS PROVES THAT WE ARE SAVED

We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our
brothers.1John 3:14

The evidence of belonging to the family of God is to love the brothers.

Our love for other believers is the fruit that flows from our relationship with God, but it is
It is important to understand that it does not establish our relationship with Him: "For by grace you have been
were saved through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by
works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

When we become members of the family of God (Ephesians 2:19), a transformation of

death to life moves us, from being selective about whom we love to being free and unconditional with
our demonstration of love.
Anyone who loves in this way "is born of God and knows Him" (1 John 4:7), but without
Christ who is love, we cannot demand to be part of the family of God (1 John 3:10).

Consider the following: if you do not have love for others and if you only care about your own
needs, then you will have to ask yourself if you have Christ in your life. A heart
Transformed by God is a heart that loves. If you have doubts about your salvation, then the
The first question you should ask yourself is: Do I really love other believers? If there is no fruit,
You must question your roots!

Can you point to the specific time in your life when you said 'yes' to God and allowed Jesus
Will it transform your heart? If your answer is no, then it is time for you to do it.
For whom will you live, for yourself or for God?

Are you hesitating, wondering if you will have the strength to live for God and love as He is asking you to?
What do you love? You should not worry, because God will give you what you need, decide to live for Him and
become a member of his family. The Bible says, "His divine power, by giving us the knowledge of that
who called us by his own glory and power, has given us all the things we need
to live as God commands” (2 Peter 1:3).

The first step in learning to love like Jesus begins with surrendering to Jesus Christ. A
of the promises of the Bible, it says: "But to all who received him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave them the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).

Will you accept God's offer?

First, believe. Believe that God loves you and that He created you to fulfill His purposes. Believe that you
You were not created by accident. Believe that you were created to live forever. Believe that
God has chosen you to have a relationship with Jesus. Believe in your heart that Jesus died for you.
cross for you and that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Believe that God wants to forgive you,
It doesn't matter what you've done in the past.

Second, receive. Receive Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior. Receive his forgiveness.
for your sins.
The Bible says, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life" (John 3:36a). Wherever you are
Reading this, I invite you to bow your head and repeat this prayer: 'Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.'
His Spirit will enter your life and give you the power to love others in holiness.
If you have made this prayer sincerely, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God!
Now you are ready to discover and start living according to the purpose that God has for you.
life.

I encourage you to share with the people who are part of your Small Group about the decision that
you have taken, so that they can also celebrate it with you, pray and help you to mature in life
Christian.

It is possible that there are others reading this, who have already made their commitment to Jesus, and they
they have realized that they have not been loving the believers. This is good, because God
It will help you grow in your capacity to love. In fact, that will be one of the benefits of being 40.
community study days. You can use this devotional to be in agreement with
God in that: "what matters is the faith that acts through love" (Galatians 5:6).

FOR MEDITATION
The evidence of belonging to the family of God is loving the brothers.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our

brothers. 1 John 3:14

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
If your faith were put to the test, and your expressions of love were the only evidence, what would it be?
verdict?
 DIARY, day 4

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Topic: We must love the family of God

THE MOST IMPORTANT

BECAUSE WE ARE A FAMILY

Honor everyone. Love the brothers.

We wish to belong.

Yesterday we learned that all believers are: "Fellow citizens of the saints and members of the
family of God” (Ephesians 2:19). This means that the church is not a place, rather it is something to
we belong to a family of God. It is more than an organization, more than a
institution, even more than a group of like-minded people.

We are a family forged by the fire of God's love, "Love one another with love.
fraternal” (Romans 12:10a). We have love for one another as brothers and sisters. This
a sense of family unity allows the authentic Christian community to form, where we are
accepted, supported, and challenged to live completely outside the purposes of our lives.
We belong to the church, and we help others grow, so that they too may belong to the
Christian community.

Family is synonymous with a deep commitment, of constant support for one another, not
It matters how hard it can be. Things are done for the family that we wouldn't do for anyone else.
and apologies are given to family members as we would not do for anyone else.

For many of us, this image of the family fails, because we have never been part of one.
healthy family.
We only have broken models, broken relationships, and hurt hearts. The good news is that
God wants to provide you with the family you have longed for, and He can do this in the community.
Christian.

When we learn to love each other in a deep and serious way, small groups
they can create the sense of family needed to trust, accept, and serve one another.
We learned about the power of unconditional love. It means that our small groups...
are laboratories guided by the Holy Spirit to learn to love one another deeply and
seriously (1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22).

How does our spiritual family teach us to learn to love?

First, we learn to develop healthy relationships. We have learned bad methods for
to relate to each other in our physical families, but in a community of believers we can see
models of good relationships. We learn that for relationships to work it is necessary
honesty, vulnerability, effort and a lot of forgiveness.

Second, we learn to develop a godly character. Character tends to be more perceived

what is taught, and in a Christian community, we can see very closely and personally the
character traits of others. We will see how maturity is modeled and how it manifests.
immaturity, and we learn to take or discard from these models to grow together.

Third, we learn the importance of biblical values. All of us have...

appropriate values voluntarily and involuntarily. Some of these values may be
correct ones and others can be incorrect.
By bringing them into the familiar environment of the small Christian group, we will be able to measure our values against
the standards of the Bible in the context of mature Christian beliefs. "Every father will speak to
the children of your faithfulness" (Isaiah 38:19).
Perhaps you are fortunate enough to have seen healthy family relationships.
modeled in your home or in your congregation. But many of you come from
unstable environments. In the coming weeks, we will offer you the opportunity to break with your
past. It will be your opportunity to belong to a loving family, and start to develop
healthy relationships, a godly character, and biblical values.

This is your opportunity to choose your spiritual inheritance, which will also transform your heritage.
Physics. Don't miss this opportunity. Join your brothers and sisters, and learn to love.
deeply.

FOR MEDITATION
Love must be learned

VERSE TO REMEMBER
"Love the brothers." 1 Peter 2:17b

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How compassionate are you towards the church family? Evidence, what would the verdict be?
 DIARY, day 5
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Theme: We must love the family of God

THE MOST IMPORTANT

BECAUSE WE ARE PRACTICING FOR ETERNITY

We wish, however, that each of you continues to show that same effort.
love) until the final and complete realization of your hope." Hebrews 6:11

The greatest lesson in life is to love.

God designed life for us to learn how to love one another just as God loves us.
For the moment, we are in the middle of serious training while we work.
God is using all things: pain and suffering, joy and comfort, choice and
cooperation, to transform ourselves into people who love completely and deeply.

We must spend our lives learning to love one another because God wants us to.
let us be as He is, and God is love. "He who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
God designed our life to break our ties of egocentrism so that
He can teach us to focus on others, placing the needs of others above our own.
ours

This love that we are learning will never die: 'The gift of prophecies will cease, the gift of tongues'
it will be silenced and knowledge will disappear" (1 Corinthians 13:8), but it will always exist the
Love. In this life we are practicing to love eternally. It's like training for a game:
we practice our love for each other now, strengthening our skills,
preparing for the World Series of Love in the sky.

This is the reason why we are spending 40 days focused on loving one another in
community; the risk is enormous and the results last forever. This is God's purpose:
"To bring together all things in him, both which are in heaven and which are on earth." (Ephesians 1:10). Without a doubt,
We will be amazed in heaven at how our love has flowed in eternity (Ephesians 4:4).

In the meantime, we must:

Call me urgently:We wish, however, that each one of you continues to show that
same effort (of love) until the final and complete realization of her hope."(Hebrews 6:11).
There is an urgency to learn to love now because today could be our last day on the
earth. This life is fleeting, and eternity is coming.
Opportunities for us to express love come and go quickly; we cannot take them for granted.
done. One day our earthly lessons will end, and we will love for eternity in heaven.

To love constantly. While we are living, we must 'keep loving.' This

The curriculum of love is not something we learn once, and then carry on our backs.
We have to study it for life, until we know it so well that we embrace it with the
heart and soul." We have "a permanent residence" in this life of love, where"
we have come to know and believe that God loves us. God is love. He who abides in
love, remains in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).

I am expectant. We must continue to love each other to obtain our 'full reward.'
The greatest rewards in heaven will be for love, and the
those who love greatly will be the most rewarded. In those we love, we will find
our greatest reward.
FOR MEDITATION
The greatest lesson in life is to love.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
We wish, however, that each of you continue to show that same effort.
love) until the final and complete fulfillment of his hope.
Hebrews 6:11

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can you practice love with urgency, consistently, and with expectation?
 DIARY, day 6
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Theme: We must love the family of God

THE MOST IMPORTANT

BECAUSE IT IS A TESTIMONY FOR THE WORLD

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Everyone is watching how we love one another.

Jesus gave the world the right to judge the authenticity of our faith by the way we
we love.
We test our faith in Christ, not by the rules we uphold but by the love we give.
Note that Jesus did not say: 'Love me.' as a test of our discipleship. He said: Love one another.
love for one another, and this will show the world that you belong to me.
It is tangible and it is the reflection of God's love allowing the world to witness His power.
transforming our lives.

The best we can do to reach our community for Christ is to love one another.
others.
Let us first start by loving other believers. Until the world sees the love of God in the
Christian community they will have difficulties believing that love can exist on Earth.
When we truly care for others, we show the world a love so
tangible and contagious that attracts them.

As the world watches, they will see that we have 'one same opinion, one same love, united'
in soul and thought” (Philippians 2:2). Not only seeing things from our
perspective, but also from the viewpoint of others (Philippians 2:3-4) The world is
desperate for love and a sense of community, that is how we must be the salt (Matthew
5:13) that increases the world's thirst for living water (John 4:10) 'From the one who believes in me,
As the Scripture says, rivers of living water will flow out." (John 7:38).

Our love for one another shows the world our unity with the Father, and also
show them that the community needs unity, unity about the purpose of life. Jesus said
to his Father: "that they all may be one. Father, just as you are in me and I am in you, let them
that they may also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21).

This means that the influence of our congregations does not have to be through attendance,
buildings, or programs. Our influence within a larger community is based on
the love we profess for one another. We make a statement about God by the
way that we love one another. This can be a positive statement or
negative, but the fact is that people often form their opinions about God
based on our reputation as individuals 'You can be the portrait of Jesus that people
they may form their opinions about God based on reputation
from our congregations, how we get along, how we support each other, like
Christians, how we love each other.

It is not alarming to think that we are known for the things we do not agree on.
but by what we are. The good news of a love so "wide and long and high and deep" that
includes more than any of us could imagine (Ephesians 3:18, NIV). Our
The community of unity should reflect the faith we have in the love of Jesus Christ. Our
small groups should be points of love and light that shine in the darkness of our
communities. "Let your light shine before everyone, so that they may see the good works
of you and praise the Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

The world wants to know that the good news of Jesus is true. The verse from
this week, John 13:35, tells us that our love for one another is the proof that
the world is searching. People are not so impressed by our words but by
the love we can show for one another, your love for others speaks louder
about the love of God: How strong is your voice?

FOR MEDITATING
Everyone is watching how we love one another.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How strongly do your actions speak of God's love?
How strong is the voice of your small group?
 DIARY, day 7

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Theme: We are commissioned to reach out together to others

WE ARE SENT TO REACH THE WORLD TOGETHER

BEING INTENTIONAL

Conduct yourselves wisely with those who do not believe in Christ, making the most of every
opportune moment.
May your conversation always be pleasant and tasteful. This way, you will know how to respond to each.
Colossians 4:5-6

Love cares for the destiny of others.

If you knew what the cure for cancer or AIDS is, and kept it a secret, without saying anything
to no one, while millions continue to die would this be a form of love? Of course it would
No. If you knew what the secret is to extend a man's life by another 50 years, would you like it?
Share the secret? Of course yes. Because as believers we have learned the way to
eternal life and we have a more important, lasting, and urgent message to share with him
world. Love gives us no other alternative.

How can we reach those in our community who do not know the risen Christ?
As a small group and as the family of the church, what is the best way to share the...
Good news with our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers? The point of
departure is to become intentional about this; which means that we must care about it
eternal destination of the people around us. Until we decide to take an interest in those
who do not yet belong to the family of God, we will not invest time, prayer, and effort that
It requires reaching out to them for Jesus; it is easier to remain silent while people are around.
He who dies without knowing Christ is also a lack of love.

The Apostle Paul was a veteran in reaching non-believers because he cared about what
what mattered most to God: the people! In 2 Timothy 2:10 (NIV), Paul declared the depth of his
love for those who were not yet part of the family of God: "So I can endure everything for the
well of the chosen, so that they too may attain the glorious and eternal salvation that we have
in Christ Jesus...

In Colossians 4:5-7, Paul shares the four ways through which we can reach
be intentional in presenting Jesus to others:

First: He says,"Behave wisely with those who do not believe in Christ," with people
that they are not believers. This means being aware that everything you say and do is a
testimony in favor of or against Christ. If you declare to be a follower of Christ, you will be
observed by those who do not know the Lord. They want to see how a believer acts:
how you handle problems, irritations, delays, disappointments, and especially how
How do you manage your interpersonal relationships? Does your faith make you smile at people? Are you optimistic and
animated? When people disappoint you, are you gentle or critical? When you feel
frustrated, are you rude and proud with others, or polite and patient? All these answers
In life, they are testimony.

According to Pablo he says:"Making

the most of every opportunity to redeem
time, you must first be aware of it. Ask God to open your eyes to see the
daily opportunities that He gives you to share a simple word of testimony about the
the difference that Jesus has made in your life. Start each day praying, 'Jesus, help me to see and'
"to love people the way you do." Then read the gospels to learn how
Jesus related to people.
Making the most of every opportune moment requires living in a constant connection with
Christ. Talk to Him throughout the day and this will increase your sensitivity to needs.
spirituals of the people around you. Remember, God has never created a person whom He does not
(God) wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.
1 Timothy 2:4.

Third: One way to intentionally reach out to others is to ensure that our
words should always be tender and pleasant. When you know the truth, it is tempting to want
use the gospel to win people for Christ, by any means necessary. But people never
they come to the family of God arguing. They are only drawn to Christ by love. Never
You will persuade people if you are brusque. Have a warm and kind heart.

Finally, Pablo says that we should be ready and "this way you will know how to respond to each one."
This requires preparation and intentionality. For the rest of this week, we will see how to do it.
but it starts with your decision to be aware, that it matters to you and that you share it with people
what God has put in your life.
Colossians 4:5 is the verse to memorize this week. If you commit to memorizing it,
then God will remind you to be intentional.

FOR MEDITATION
Make the most of every opportunity you have.

VESICLE TO REMEMBER
Behave wisely with those who do not believe in Christ, making the most of every moment.
opportune."Colossians 4:5

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Will someone enjoy eternity because of your obedience to the cause of Christ?
 DIARY, day 8

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Theme: We are commissioned to together reach others

WE ARE SENT TO REACH THE WORLD TOGETHER

USING OUR SMALL GROUP

... I will know that they remain steadfast in one purpose, contending together for the faith of the gospel.
standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

"We" is more powerful than "I".

There is power in camaraderie, and this becomes more evident when we are working to
to communicate the Gospel of Christ to the world. Evangelism is an effort that is made in
team, even in those moments when we think we are working alone. The reality
It's that when we guide someone to the Lord, the Holy Spirit has already been working in that life.
and other believers have been influential, directly and indirectly. Paul once wrote 'I
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

We have to work together as 'co-workers in the service of God' (1 Corinthians 3:9) because
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor" (Ecclesiastes 4:9). This is the
value of small groups, which allow us to work shoulder to shoulder in the effort
to guide our friends and family to Christ. Like the four friends who brought the paralytic
to Jesus (Mark 2:1-12), we can draw strength and encourage one another as we bring
friends in the presence of Jesus.

In reality, if you have never experienced the privilege and joy of helping someone to know
to Christ, today can be the day of turning your life around by taking advantage of the fact that
you can bring other people to Jesus as part of your small group's effort. You don't have to
to do it alone. God wants us to do it together, shoulder to shoulder.

The first step that your group must take is to pray together. Before sharing our faith, we need to
to pray. Because when we pray for others, it starts to develop in us naturally.
a concern for them.
Here are four ways to pray that your group can use to bring your friends closer.
relatives to Christ.

First: Pray for an opportunity to talk about Jesus (Colossians 4:3) ask God to give you
an opportunity to share your faith in Christ and to invite your friends to church. Don't hesitate
about this: God will answer the prayer!

Second: Pray that the Lord prepares the hearts of those to be reached. Do you know
How does God soften hearts? He sends rain. Whenever you see someone
going through a storm in your life, you will know then that God is softening the heart
of that person.

Third: Pray for God to soften your heart. Say 'I will be honest, Lord. I don't care much'
other people. I care about my own life. My priorities and my family matter to me." Soon
God will fill your heart with a 'burden', an old word that means your heart is
sensitive towards other people.

Fourth: Pray for the words of Jesus to be spread.may the message of the Lord be spread
quickly and be received with honor" (2 Thessalonians 3:1) just as was done among the
first Christians.

Now be creative in the way your group invites those for whom they have been praying:
You can organize a barbecue, a movie night, a game night, a lunch; the
possibilities are unlimited.
Finally, here we have a prayer that you and your small group can use: "Father, we want
that you use our group to reach one more for Jesus. Develop in us a
deep concern for people who do not know Christ and it leads us to pray
consistently for your salvation. We know that you paid a high price to bring us to your
family, and we agree with you that no one is a lost cause or beyond
scope of your love. Guide us and give us creativity to reach others for your kingdom. Father, in faith
we ask you that in this upcoming year our group is able to reach 20 people for you.
We lift this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

FOR MEDITATION
"We" is more powerful than "I"

VERSE TO REMEMBER
...who stand firm in one purpose, contending together for the faith of the Gospel
Stand firm in one spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

QUESTION TO REMEMBER
Which friends or family members can your small group start praying for?
 DIARY, day 9

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Theme: We are commissioned to reach out to others together

WE ARE SENT TO REACH THE WORLD TOGETHER

OFFERING HOSPITALITY
"Practice hospitality with one another without complaining" 1 Peter 4:9

Open hearts provide open houses.

For the Christian, hospitality is not an option. It is a command (Isaiah 58:6-9, Luke 14:12-14)
God has commanded us to practice hospitality. From the example of the patriarch Abraham, who
received three visitors saints crossing the hot sands (Genesis 18) to the wise advice
from the Apostle Paul (Romans 12:13b NKJV)...practicing hospitality.

For some, hospitality is as natural as breathing. For others, the practice must be
acquired. For everyone, this gift must be encouraged. ``Practicing hospitality among you
without complaining (1 Peter 4:9, NIV).

The ministry of Christ to this impoverished, captive, blinded, and oppressed world must in a
one way or another, to also be ours. (Luke 4:18-19) Many of us have a remarkable
tool with which we can administer: the miracle of the Christian home. If Christians opened
their homes and practice hospitality as defined in the Scriptures, we could alter
significantly the structure of society. We could play a greater role in its redemption
moral, spiritual, and emotional.

Think about the impact our church could have on society if only four or five families
from each the congregation will take care of the needy children, protecting them with love and
teaching them the way that leads to Christ. If in a large urban area with a hundred churches, it
open four or five homes per church, four or five multiplied by a hundred would involve for the
less than four hundred or five hundred children.

Many people who say they follow Christ do not understand the foundations of hospitality. The world us
has forced to follow its mold. Unhospitality people say: 'I want
to impress you with the beauty of my house, the creativity of the decor, the gourmet nature of the kitchen.
hospitality however, seeks to minister. It says: 'This house is not mine. It is a gift from God. I
I am his servant and I use her as He desires.” A hospitable person does not try to impress, but rather
to serve.

People who are not hospitable put things before people. 'As soon as
I finished decorating the house, with all the elements I want to have, I will start having people over.
hosted. I must buy such and such things before they come.
embargo, puts people before things: 'If we don't have furniture, we will eat on the
"soil", the non-hospitable person declares: "This is mine, these rooms, the decorations.
Look, please and admire,” hospitality whispers “what is mine, is yours” (Acts 2:44).

In hospitality, we set aside pride and do not worry about showing people
our humanity.
Because we don't keep false pretenses, people relax and feel that perhaps
we can be friends.

Today the church must be bathed in generosity, love, and acceptance of hospitality. Unless
let's develop a true spirit of acceptance in the families of our church, the
the hospitality we will extend to the world will be hypocritical. When our homes and the house of God
If it is what our Lord wants us to be, we will naturally be more open to our neighbors.
It is sad to know how few Christians have entered the life of their nearest neighbor. Our
Neighbors are the inheritance that our father wants us to minister. We are actually very few.
those of us who try to find the most suitable ways to serve our neighbors or
friends, to thus extend the mercy of God. Frequently our official Christianity,
our meetings and commitments make us less accessible to them instead of being
available.

If Christians collectively practiced hospitality, we could play roles

significant in redeeming our society. There is no better place to redeem our society
that in the house of a servant of Christ.
The more we work with the incarcerated, with the blind, with the oppressed, we will realize
it is said that in this unwelcoming world, a Christian home is worthy of sharing.

In the WEBSTER dictionary, the definition for hospitable is a "wedge" between the word
"hospice", which is a refuge, and the word "hospital" which is a place of healing. Finally
this is what we offer when we open our home in the true spirit of the
hospitality: we offer shelter and we offer healing.

Some practical steps to practice hospitality.

• Ask for the presence of God while opening your house.

• Identify the causes that prevent you from being hospitable.
• Evaluate what your gifts are and how they can be used to practice hospitality.
• Host your home to a small group.
• Join someone who is preparing dinner for friends.
• Invite a troubled teenager.

FOR MEDITATION
Open hearts provide open houses

VERSE TO REMEMBER
"Practice hospitality with one another without complaining" 1 Peter 4:9

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Have you had your neighbors or friends over at home lately?
 DIARY, day 10
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Theme: We are commissioned to reach out together to others

WE ARE SENT TO REACH THE WORLD TOGETHER

SHOWING ACCEPTANCE

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ accepted you for the glory of God.
Romans 15:7

We must accept others in the same way that Jesus accepted us.

Jesus loves us even when we have failed him; when we were still sinners, Christ died.
for us" (Romans 5:8) He accepts us among his beloved creatures (Ephesians 1:6) despite
our dirty lives, the impure motives, and the annoying attitudes. Their acceptance by us
do not excuse any sin; rather acknowledge that we are God's art, each one of us
It is a unique creature formed by God and created for a specific purpose (Ephesians 2:10).

One of the ways we love each other is by accepting one another just as Christ accepts us.
Accept. This brings glory to God. Jesus did it; now, do you do it too? "accept each other
mutually, just as Christ accepted you.” (Romans 15:7).

But our acceptance of others also includes non-believers (Luke 9:7), knowing that,
while they are still sinners, Christ died for them. "Is it my place to judge those outside?
(1 Corinthians 5:12). This does not mean that we forgive sins. Generally, our rejection
For those outside the church, it is based on fears or prejudices in the sense that people
They have to be like us before they can be part of us.

Jesus was not afraid to be friends with non-believers (Luke 19:7). He looked beyond the
sin in their lives to see how God wanted them to be when He created them. He understood that accepting the
people it is not the same as accepting their sins. As the old saying goes, 'God loves the sinner,'
but hates sin.” One of the best examples of this in the life of Jesus is in the
story of Zacchaeus, where Jesus found the hated tax collector climbing up a
tree (Luke 19:1-10). In that encounter, we learn the characteristics of acceptance.
Christ.

First: It doesn't matter where you are, Jesus will find you there. We must accept the non
believers despite the circumstances of their lives, to look at them as Jesus did, with eyes of
Love. Jesus knows everything they have ever done, everything they have ever said,
everything they have thought, and yet He still loves and accepts them. We should
do the same!

One of the deepest expressions of love is attention. We demonstrate God's love to the
non-believers when we spend time with them. Time is a precious gift to anyone
person, because it is something that can never be replaced. There are people around us
who are dying for lack of care, dying so that someone will give them the gift of a
time with them. They need to know that they matter to God, and that He has created them with a purpose
and for its purpose.

Second: It doesn't matter how others call you, Jesus knows your name. While everyone else
they classify Zacchaeus as a sinner, Jesus called him by his name and reached out his hand for him in
friendship changed the heart of Zacchaeus. Jesus wants us to do the same. He wants
that we reach the lost with his love and acceptance. He wants us to
let's look at others as He sees them and to include them within the purposes of His kingdom with
genuine love and friendship.
Third: It doesn't matter what you have done, Jesus will not reject you. Good behavior has never been
a prerequisite for friendship with Jesus. He loves and accepts people, despite what they have
Fact. He is more interested in changing them than in condemning them.

If Zacchaeus was like the rest of us, he probably thought he was not enough.
It's good to invite Jesus into your home, but the reality is that Jesus has seen it all. It doesn't matter what...
What have you done, Jesus still says to you, 'All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me'
comes, I do not reject (John 6:37). Jesus has not only a plan and a purpose for your life, He
He also has a plan and a purpose for those who do not yet believe in Him. This is because He wants
that we reach out to others and welcome them into the family of God.

FOR MEDITATION
God wants you to accept others just as Jesus accepted you.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ accepted you for the glory of God.
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Who is the last person in your life that you would expect to become a Christian?
How can your acceptance of them serve as a bridge to Christ?
 DIARY, day 11

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Theme: We are commissioned to reach out together to others

WE ARE SENT TO REACH THE WORLD TOGETHER

BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be arrogant, but be supportive of each other.
humble. Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought.

"In the name of Christ we urge you to be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20b)

This is the message we must send to the world, but many times we limit ourselves.
same when sharing this Good News if our friends are only believers. Jesus, in
change, He understood that his mission was to seek the lost, and thus He became friends with those who
they needed to become friends with God.

The Bible says that when the Pharisees saw Jesus associating with people of bad reputation:
Seeing this, the Pharisees asked the disciples: Why does your teacher eat with
tax collectors and sinners? Jesus heard them and said: Those who are well and healthy do not
They need a doctor, if not the sick.
Go and learn the meaning of these words:...many tax collectors and
fishermen came and ate with him (Jesus) and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him
they asked their disciples:
Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? When Jesus heard this,
he/she answered them

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what
it means: 'What I ask of you is mercy and not sacrifices.' For I have not come to call
not to the righteous but to sinners. (Matthew 9:10-13).

Jesus knew his purpose, and this allowed him to feel comfortable around non-believers.
he was not worried when others accused him of being a friend of sinners (Luke 19:7), because
he was doing exactly what the Father sent him to do: persuade men and women to
make peace with God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Likewise, Jesus wants us to be his representatives, speaking on his behalf to

those who are still "outside." However, many Christians are so isolated and
disconnected from non-believers who rarely have any meaningful conversation with
The more time we have as believers, the more isolated we will be from non-believers.
And the more isolated we are from them, the more uncomfortable we will feel among them.
Finally, we stop being friends with the people that Jesus wants us to reach.

Jesus understood that our testimony to nonbelievers begins with friendship, winning the
the right to share the Gospel through relationships. The baseline is this: to people
They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care about them.
believers, like most of us, are seeking deep, true friendships and
of support.

The Apostle Paul said that we should try to find common interests with non-believers, to
so that we may speak to them about Christ: Among those who do not have the law, I became a Jew, in order to
to win them over. Among those who live under the law, I became like those who are subject to it.
(though I am not free from the law of God but committed to the law of Christ), in order to win to
those who are without law. (1 Corinthians 9:21-23). Seeking common interests expresses an attitude of
friendship, we seek the positive in those who are outside of the faith.

When Jesus began to speak with the woman at the well (John 4:4-26), He sought a matter of
common interest instead of condemning it. As a result, she not only made peace with God, but
He also brought his friends and family into the presence of Jesus. We see from this example that our
friendship with non-believers requires us to understand the difference between loving them and loving their
friends.

In John 3:16a, it tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, to
that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." We clearly see that God
but love the people of the world; which is not the same as loving the values of the world. We are told: "No
love of the Father.
Father (1 John 2:15)

Building friendships requires:

• Courtesy.May your conversation always be pleasant and tasteful. This way they will know how
answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6)
• Frequency. You have to spend time with non-believers to befriend them.
• Authenticity.Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Romans 12:9

FOR MEDITATION
Love the people of the world, but not the values of the world.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be arrogant, but be supportive of each other.
humble. Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought. Romans 12:16

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Do you have meaningful friendships with non-believers?
 DIARY, day 12

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Theme: We are commissioned to reach out to others together

WE ARE SENT TO REACH THE WORLD TOGETHER

GIVING PRACTICAL HELP

Dear children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
Little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

People know we love her when we show that we love her.

Jesus did not pass by. He stopped when people needed his help, of his
comfort, from its protection, when they needed an answer to a puzzling problem.
Jesus saw the interruptions in his life as divine opportunities to show God's love to
people in great need.

Jesus approached showing love. He expressed his love by meeting the needs of the
people, and when he touched them, they realized: "God has come to the aid of his people."
Luke 7:16.

Jesus expressed his love through action. He calls us to be characters in action. He does not want
that we are so busy saving the world, that we ignore the interruptions of those who are
in need. Like the Good Samaritan, Jesus wants us always ready in life to put
our agenda aside to help someone in need (Luke 10:25-37). The Bible says, 'If
someone who possesses material goods sees that their brother is in need, and has nothing
His compassion, how can it be said that the love of God dwells in him? (1 John 3:17).

Jesus showed that faith and service go hand in hand. When the woman of ill repute anointed the
Jesus' feet with costly oil and crying, she wiped them with her hair, Jesus said to her: Your faith has made you.
saved... Go in peace (Luke 7:50). Her act of service was a reflection of her faith in God.

When the disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus to prove that He was the
Christ, his response was to point out his service. He said: Go and tell John what you have seen and
hearing: The blind see, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are healed, the deaf hear, the
the dead are raised and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Luke 7:22).

As Santiago later taught, we must be doers of the word, not just hearers.
My brothers, what good is it for someone to claim that he has faith if he does not have works? Can it even be...
save that faith? Suppose a brother or sister does not have anything to wear and
they lack daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; be warmed and filled'
until satisfied," but it does not give what is necessary for the body. What good will that do? So is faith
By itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:14-17).

Otherwise, we would be amputating the Body of Christ, cutting off arms and legs so that
The only thing left would be a big mouth. If they all were one single member, what would become of
body? (1 Corinthians 12:19). Francis of Assisi once wrote, 'Preach the gospel, if it is
necessary, use words.

Showing our love, no task should be of low category. Jesus specialized in acts
of service that most people try to avoid by washing feet, helping children,
preparing breakfast, and healing the lepers. Nothing was unworthy for him, for his service
flowed from his love.

Jesus indicated that our acts of love must be very practical; even giving a cup of water.
To cool in his name is an act of love (Matthew 10:42). There are so many needs in the world;
just take a look around and start heading towards what you see:
 • Help someone clean their garden
• Take care of a neighbor's child
• Bring food to a prisoner
• Take care of a sick person
• Start asking: How can I serve you today?

We serve God by serving others, and we serve better together (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Think about how it is that
your small group can work together to help those around you.

FOR MEDITATION
People know that we love her when we show that we love her.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Dear children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Who can you share the love of Christ with in a practical way today?
 DIARY, day 13
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Theme: We are commissioned to reach out together to others

WE ARE SENT TO REACH THE WORLD TOGETHER

REPRESENTING JESUS
And everything you do, in word or deed, do it in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God.
the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

... I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

As believers, our role in life has changed. We no longer have the task of looking at our
own interests.
Our job now is to represent the interests of Jesus. We must be his face, hands, and feet.
showing himself in favor of the lives of other people. We represent Jesus in the hospital,
at a funeral, at a wedding, or when we talk with our neighbors.

We are not of this world, but we are in this world. We serve as ambassadors of
Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14-21); we serve according to the will of King Jesus. We serve as
spokesmen and servants of the Kingdom of God, always ready to give an explanation regarding the
hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15) while we continue to remember that this world is not
our home (1 Peter 2:11).

We reach non-believers by living in such a way that others ask us about the King who
we represent.
As ambassadors of Christ, we work hard to understand the culture, to translate the
message from our King, in such a way that the foreigner of his kingdom understands his commandments
and its policy of grace.

Our consular task here on earth is more than just a job; it is the highest calling. But
to be faithful ambassadors, we need to make a simple yet critical decision: do we want
impress the non-believers, or influence them? If our goal is to impress them, we can
do it from a distance, but that will also put the Kingdom of God at a distance from them. If we want
influence non-believers, we have to manage to get close enough to them to
They will see our faults and weaknesses, but they will also see our faith as real and necessary.

Do you think God wants you to impress those who do not believe in Him or to influence them?

Here are some ways to expand your influence as a representative of Jesus:

Smiling at people. The Bible says that a cheerful look brings joy to the heart.
(Proverbs 15:30).
You can influence others with a simple smile.

Sympathizing with others. We can offer emotional support and encouragement to people in
affliction.
He comforts us in all our tribulations so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort we receive.
God, we have received, so that we too may comfort all who suffer.
Corinthians 1:4.

Serving others. The more you serve others in love, the more you will influence them.
Apostle Paul wrote, 'Though I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all.'
to win as many as possible” (1 Corinthians 9:19).

Being communicative. Being a representative of Christ requires courage, we must put

in knowledge to the people that we are believers. His love compels us, not only to
 to explain our faith, but sometimes it urges us to confront evil behavior
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" (Psalms 107:2)

Being sacrificed.Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to
God will purify our conscience from the works that lead to death, so that
let us serve the living God" (Hebrews 9:14). Great sacrifice equals great influence, this
it may mean that your influence will increase only after you move from your
comfort zone. If your sacrifice helps to change the world, is it worth it?

Now pray to God today: "Lord, I want to be Your representative. I want You to use me to influence
every person I relate to today, showing them the depth and breadth of your
love.

FOR MEDITATION
We no longer live, Christ lives in us.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God.
the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can you represent Jesus in your world today?
 DIARY, day 14

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Theme: We were chosen to enjoy fellowship together

WE ARE CHOSEN TO HAVE COMPANIONSHIP TOGETHER

ADMITTING THAT WE NEED EACH OTHER

We too, being many, form one body in Christ, and each member
is united to all the others.” Romans 12:5

We need each other.

Recently, news came out about Jum Sulkers, a resident of Winnipeg-Manitoba,

who died in his bed and remained there for two years until his neighbors
they discovered his corpse. Jim had lived in that place for 20 years but no one did not.
missed.

Why are we so reluctant to admit our need for others?

There are two powerful reasons for this:

First. Our culture admires individualism. We admire those who are

independent and self-sufficient as they apparently can achieve everything on their own.
But the sad reality is that underneath this confident appearance, these people
they show there is a person burdened by loneliness and insecurity whose heart is full of
pain. Loneliness is the most common of diseases in the world. Even so
we continue to build barriers instead of bridges between us.

Secondly. We have pride. Many people, especially men, think that

It is a weakness to ask for help or express a need.

But we should not feel ashamed to admit that we need others. God us
I believe that way.
He wants his children to depend on each other.

In the book 'A Purpose Driven Life' we learned that God wants us to experience the
life together. (If you haven't read this book yet, it's important that you do so soon). We were
designed to relate to each other. We were made to live in fellowship, created
to live in the family of God and prepared to live in community. It is not the will of
May you go through life on the sidelines of others. Even in the perfect environment of
Eden. God said: "It is not good for man to be alone" Genesis 2:18

God does not like it when we live in solitude. This does not mean that everyone has to
to get married, but everyone needs a spiritual family; God created the Church. When God
He saves you and adopts you into his family, He intertwines your life with the lives of other believers. You
You are not just a believer, you belong to the body of Christ, (1 Corinthians 12:27) 'Now
Well, you are the body of Christ, and each one is a member of that body.

The word 'Body' is frequently used to describe a group of people.

connected for a purpose. In school, you were part of a student body. The
politicians elected by the people form legislative bodies. But when God calls to the
Church "The body of Christ" He has in mind a human body where each part is
interconnected and at the same time independent. We, being many,
we form one body in Christ, and each member is joined to all the others
Romans 12:5

And, as the parts of an active body, it is impossible for believers to grow.

spiritually without counting on the other members. "The eye cannot say to the hand: 'No
"I need you." Nor can the head say to the feet, "I do not need you." (1 Corinthians 12:21)
You must be connected to the fellowship of a Church to survive spiritually.
More than this, you need to be in a small group of people where you can love and
to be loved, to serve and to be served, to share what you are learning and to learn from others.
You can't do this in a large group of people.
You need a small group.

Since we are called by God to live in fellowship, this week we will see some
ways to build the fellowship we need with our brothers and
sisters in the family of God. The first step is to accept that we need each other.
others, living as if our spiritual lives depended on others. Because that way
it is indeed.

Love one another with brotherly affection, respecting and honoring each other.
mutually" (Romans 12:10). Living in community requires humility. We must remember
continuously that we belong to each other and need each other.
Memorize Romans 12:5 this week. It will help you remember this.

FOR MEDITATION
I need other believers in my life, and they need me too.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
We too, being many, form one body in Christ, and each member
is joined to all the others." Romans 12:5

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What might be preventing you from having a deeper commitment to your group?
small?

If you don't have a small group yet, join one soon. Contact us.
 DIARY, day 15

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Theme: We were chosen to enjoy fellowship together.

WE ARE CHOSEN TO HAVE COMPANIONSHIP TOGETHER

SHARING WITH EACH OTHER

Let's strive to promote everything that leads to peace and mutual edification.
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

The community is built through commitment.

A healthy Christian community is committed to loving one another,

work with each other and stay with each other. The Bible says: 'In the end, the fruit of'
Justice is sown in peace for those who make peace” (James 3:18)

This is more than just getting along with others. It means that we actually see the value of
each individual in our small group. We see each one as God's creation and
like vessels of the grace of God.
It means that we commit to being there for one another. 'Let it govern in their...'
hearts the peace of Christ, to which you were called in one body. And be
grateful." (Colossians 3:15).

God created us for this kind of surrender. He is committed to us, and He expects that
we give ourselves to Him and then to others (2 Corinthians 8:5). It is by design
God, we define our lives by our commitments: marriage, children, work and
church

Building a committed community takes time. This means living life together.
beyond our weekly meetings and making each other our priority,
sharing our lives over a coffee after work, at the stadium, in the
hospital.

It means going beyond superficial friendships. It means becoming 'truer friends.'

than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24). We must focus on the quality of our
relationships and not in the quantity of them. We do not need many friends in this
in life, we need few friends but that they are good friends. In our groups
we can be like this with each other.

To commit to each other means:

• Love me, unconditionally. We must care for and support each other in everything.
time, not only when it is convenient (Proverbs 17:17); we must love the
people even in the worst cases, not just when they are nice.

• Being there with each other. A basic sign of commitment is simply showing up.
of presence. If we care, we will be there. Our presence is a source of encouragement.
(Hebrews 10:25), but being there also means that we are committed to life
of others. The missionary Jim Eliot once said: "Wherever you find yourself, you must be
present in body and soul.

• Benefiting each other. God has given each one of us abilities.

particular ones with the purpose of sharing them with others. "Everyone is given a
special manifestation of the Spirit for the good of others." (1 Corinthians 12:7). Our
small groups and our congregations are poorer if we do not use freely
our spiritual gifts for the benefit of all (Romans 12:4-5). To commit ourselves
It means that we recognize each other as parts of a great body that is
working united. (Romans 12:4-5)

Who or what are you committed to? And who knows about it? Have you ever gone
where another person, who is not your family and you have said 'I want you to know that always
I will be with you, you can always count on me”? Have you ever made a commitment?
intentional with someone, saying: “I want to grow close to you as a friend”? Will you do this?
in your small group this week?

FOR MEDITATION
The community is built through commitment.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:
Let's strive to promote everything that leads to peace and mutual edification.
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
If you were to ask one of your good friends, what or who do they think you are with?
Committed? What would they respond to you?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 17

WE ARE CHOSEN TO HAVE COMPANY TOGETHER

RESPECTING ONE ANOTHER

Love one another with brotherly affection, respecting and honoring one another.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Respect begins with a perspective.

Respect means that we see each other as eternal beings through the eyes of
our Father (John 3:16) chosen by God "But you are a chosen lineage, a royal priesthood,
holy nation, people that belong to God, so that they may proclaim the wonderful works of Him
that he called them out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9. NIV). This also means
to look at one another as "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17, NIV)

Respect means that we continuously remember that we will soon be sharing heaven with
the members of our small group and our Church, even with those to whom we are
it makes it difficult to respect now.
God "made the body in such a way that we give more importance to the parts we consider to be
less value (1 Corinthians 12:24, TLA)

A significant part of showing respect is simply listening. We offer our

presence and we open our ears listening to the wounded hearts with scars
hidden, the deepest dreams and desires of others. The God of the universe listens
our prayers; Jesus listened to those who were around him; we must listen to
our brothers in Christ.

Listening means not rushing to fix things or to give an answer; we respect

Others enough to allow me to share my whole story. Sometimes all that
What we need is for someone to listen to what's in our heart. Respect means trusting in
others, instead of assuming that they will do it wrongly, or not as well as us (Philippians
2:3, NVI.

We also show respect for the way we talk about others when they are not around.
Nothing destroys relationships faster than gossip. (Proverbs 16:28b, NIV). Respect
it means that instead of listening to and spreading rumors, we do everything we can
scope to protect the reputation and dignity of our brothers in Christ. The Bible teaches
"Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8, NIV).

We show moral quality and respect when we strive to be:

• Discreet, not just sincere. Discretion is thinking before speaking, knowing

that the way you say something determines how it is received. The criticism is
It is better received when presented kindly and as mature Christians.
we must "live the truth" but "with love" (Ephesians 4:15, NIV). Before speaking
Frankly with someone, ask yourself, 'Why am I saying this?', my
words, will they build or will they harm? "The words that offer comfort are the
better medicine; words spoken with bad intentions are the cause of much
sadness (Proverbs 15:4, TLA)
 • Understanding, not demanding. We respect others when we treat them in the way that
we would like to be treated. Luke 6:31. when people treat you want:
What they demand of you or what they understand you? We must be considerate of feelings and
tensions from others: sometimes, people do not feel well or have had a
Bad day. The Bible says: "Those who think things through are called intelligent; those who speak
With sweetness, one convinces better" (Proverbs 16:21, TLA). The best place to practice this
it is in our home and in our small group. Generally, we are more polite with
the strangers that we see day after day.

• Gentiles, without judging. Even when we disagree with others, we must be

kind and respectful, focusing first on our own behavior: "Thus
that each of us will have to account for ourselves to God. Therefore, let us stop
Judge one another. Rather, propose to not put stumbling blocks or obstacles in front of your brother.
(Romans 14: 12-13, NIV)

• Polite, not rude. When others are rude to you, you don't have to respond in kind.
same way.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to respond with kindness. "Don't be
overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21, KJV).

A final note on this: God entrusted the Pastors and leaders of the Church to "Watch over the
"souls", they are accountable before God for this task. (Hebrews 13:17). They must
correctly teach the Word of God; confront false teachings before they
to be extended; proclaim the Gospel to non-believers; Pray for everyone, including yourself and your
family; to empower and name leaders and serve; and they must do all of this BEING an example of what
What it means to be a follower of Christ. (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus).

Being discreet, understanding, kind, and polite is not easy for many of us. But it is very
necessary. In your daily life, think about these things and ask God to the Holy Spirit to you
strengthen and allow you to show respect towards others "Love each other with brotherly affection and
Delight in mutual respect." (Romans 12:10, Living New Testament).

FOR MEDITATION
Respect begins with a divine perspective.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Love one another with brotherly affection, respecting and honoring one another.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Which of the four ways to show respect for others is most challenging for you?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 18

WE ARE CHOSEN TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER

Supporting Each Other

Finally, live in harmony with one another; share sorrows and joys, practice love.
brotherly, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

God equips us to love each other until we lose fear among one another.

We dispel the fear from our community when we love each other so unconditionally that each
a member feels secure within the group (1 John 4:18). This security allows us to share
our humanity with the group, including all our joys and pains, our ups and
downs, our victories and defeats.

We deliver to others the same extraordinary security that Christ gives us.
authentic, being sad, discouraged, and confused, and yet being loved. God challenges us to
create a community where we love each other as if our lives depended on it (1 Peter
1:22) and where each one can 'live, move, and exist' (Acts 17:28, NIV).

God wants us to cry together and to rejoice together, caring for one another without
no distinction (1 Corinthians 12:25-26) while we comfort and console ourselves, we support each other
and we encourage each other, we love each other and challenge each other within a safe atmosphere of support. The Lord
wants us to support one another, with compassionate hearts and humility of spirit.

Compassionate hearts: We comfort others because God comforted us and we must

to encourage others with the same spirit we have received from him (2 Corinthians 1:4).

We show a compassionate heart when we tell ourselves:

• It's okay to have a bad day.

• It's okay to be tired.
• It's okay to admit your mistakes.
• It is okay to say that your marriage is failing.
• It is okay to confess your addictions.
• It's okay to share your fears.
• It is okay to wish for a day away from your child.
• It's okay to cry over a loss.
• It's okay to doubt, to be confused, and to cry.

Humility of Spirit: Humble people are not thinking about how little they believe they are worth and not
they worry about pretending humility. A behavior like this is egocentric and false
humility. Our humility should be the natural result of a loving spirit, where
let's see through the eyes of God, the worth of others.
True humility also means that we understand our own value in Christ and our
unique purpose. This allows us to celebrate the success of others, knowing that God blesses us from
different ways and at different times, according to our needs and our
mission.

We show humility of spirit when we say to one another:

• I'm glad you're happy because you have a new car;

• I'm glad you got a great raise;
 • I'm glad you share that you've lost weight;
• I am happy to say that you have won a bid;
• I am glad to shout Hallelujah!, because the presence of God in your life is evident.

Let us show to have a compassionate heart when we weep with those who weep. Let us show
humility of spirit when we rejoice in the blessings of others as if they were our own
ours.

Supporting each other also means that we see ourselves based on what we can achieve.
to be and not for what we are now. Jesus called Peter 'rock' when the fisherman was still
acting impulsively. (Matthew 16:18) and God called Gideon "mighty and valiant man"
when he was hiding from the enemy (Judges 6:11-12). We encouraged each other and built up
mutually (1 Thessalonians 5:11) when we see others in terms of their purpose and
mission in life.

As we seek ways of "mutual edification". Romans 14:19 (NIV) could be helpful.

remember that the word 'support' literally means 'to lend strength to...' We find strength
in places where we are supported, places where we feel safe to be ourselves.
Is your small group like this?

FOR MEDITATION
God empowers us to love each other until we lose fear of one another.

VESICLE TO REMEMBER
Finally, live in harmony with one another, share sorrows and joys, practice love.
be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Who will you give your strength to today and how will you do it?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 19

WE ARE CHOSEN TO HAVE COMPANIONSHIP TOGETHER

GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER

I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with everyone and
that there be no divisions among you, but that you remain united in the same thinking and in a
same purpose

We must avoid trying to win arguments.

Instead of this, our goal should be to love those people with whom we are not.
agreed.
Let us bet on love and not on winning. Jesus told us that love always wins. He guaranteed us
this when it came out of the tomb.

When you find yourself in a discussion with other believers, use these biblical guidelines to
get along well with them:

Let mercy guide your response. (Proverbs 3:3-6). In a conflict, many of

we talk about what is just but God's focus is not through what is just,
but through grace and mercy. (Romans 5:8).

Let God determine the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8). The truth is not determined by your
thoughts and feelings (1 John 4:10) or the opinions of others. The truth is what God says: He
It is the only authority to interpret any situation. (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Seek the presence of God (Matthew 28:20). Satan wants us to believe that we are alone in the
battle.
Simon Peter gives us an example of fighting alone, the use of violent words, swords,
curses and lies were desperate attempts to protect oneself. He fought like
a man separated from God (Matthew 26:52). But we should follow the example of
young shepherd David, who believed that God was with him in the fight and that the battle belonged to
God (1 Samuel 17:47).

Rely on the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:15-16). The Bible says that we should not rely
in our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5), what seems to be right for us, may
there is a way that seems right (Proverbs 14:12).

Find the true source of the conflict (Ephesians 6:12). According to the Word of God, we are not
fighting with other people, our real enemy is Satan and his spiritual forces
evil.

Abandoning human weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). When we try to satisfy our

our own needs working independently of God, we tend to use what Paul called
the weapons of the flesh. This includes: manipulation, gossip, slander, ridicule, threat, guilt,
worry, disappointment, and silence. When we use them, we end up in a vicious circle that leaves us
harm, where we all lose.

Learn to use your spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4). The Bible tells us that prayer is a
powerful spiritual armor. After putting on the whole armor of God, we must 'pray in the
Spirit at all times, with requests and pleas.” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV). Many Christians never
they think about praying together when they have had a disagreement; but prayer reminds us who we are
God and who are we - His children. Prayer puts an eternal perspective on anything.
discussion.

Forgiveness is another spiritual weapon. The power of forgiveness is greater than anything that the
enemy can use against you. God's commandment is that we must forgive one another.
others as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:12).

We don't always have to agree to get along. Our verse for today says,
that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in
a common purpose.” In an orchestra, there are big differences between unison and harmony. If
if all musicians played in unison all the time, music would be quite boring. It is the
harmony that creates beauty in music, with various musicians playing different instruments and
various notes, but all under the direction of a conductor. The goal of each musician is not to play
stronger than the others or finish the piece first; the goal is 'unity of opinions, feelings
and purpose." When this happens, the music is divine.

FOR MEDITATION
Seek love, do not seek to win.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all live in harmony and
that there are no divisions among you, but that you remain united in the same thinking and in a
same purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
If you have a conflict with a brother or sister in Christ, what will you do today to seek reconciliation?
reconciliation?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 20

WE ARE CHOSEN TO TOGETHER HAVE FELLOWSHIP

BEING PATIENTS WITH EACH OTHER

Always humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love.

The more we understand people, the more patient we will be.

When we see the wound beneath the anger, or the reason behind the behavior, we have the
possibility of 'bearing each other’s faults with patience'. The ability to understand
it is a sign of patience (Proverbs 14:29). The Bible teaches, "Good judgment makes a man
Patient; his glory is to overlook an offense." (Proverbs 19:11, NIV).

Help to remember that when you face a situation where your patience is tested,
God will never ask you to have more patience than He has with you. The Apostle Paul uses his
his own life as an example of this, saying that God showed him mercy despite his
many sins, so that "Christ Jesus could show His infinite goodness" (1 Timothy 1:16)
NIV). When we connect our own patience with the patience of Christ, we can be
tolerant with one another. We agree with the wise words that say that love is
patient (1 Corinthians 13:4) and that impatience is not love.

We need patience with one another because God created us with different personalities.
giving each of us a different mission in life, we all have a history of
a life different from the rest, and each of us is in a different place in our pilgrimage with
Jesus. Practicing patience elevates your perspective, helps you see our diversity as a
strength and not as a weakness.

The Apostle Paul wrote: 'Welcome the weak Christians, that is, those who are still not...
They understand well what God commands. If you disagree with them on something, do not argue.
(Romans 14:1, TLA)

Work on becoming patient all the time. Anyone can be patient when the conditions are right.
circumstances, but it is much more difficult when the day is not right or when a mistake is made
same error for the third time this week. Being patient has a cost, we have to let go
putting aside our agenda and yielding our rights to 'welcome the weak in faith'.

A practical step we can take towards achieving true patience is: to learn to
listen. This goes beyond just the act of listening to someone. It actually means that
We must listen carefully and completely to our conversation partner. The Bible says:
"It is foolish and shameful to answer before listening." (Proverbs 18:13, NIV). This is quite
Of course. It means that he did not receive all the information about it. God has given us two ears and one.
mouth, perhaps to tell us that we should listen twice as much as we talk.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What things make me impatient?

• How does my impatience with these things reflect my priorities?
• How can I better understand the people who make me impatient?
• Do I have enough time to listen to their stories completely?
• In what ways do people have to be patient with me?
• Do I give the same amount of grace to others as I hope to receive from them?
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) says: "Love is patient." This means accepting situations.
unpleasant for a long time. The next time your patience is tested, to the limit,
remember how patient and understanding Christ has been with you.

FOR MEDITATION
If we have the ability to understand things broadly, we will be more patient.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Always humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can you become more patient with the people in your life?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 21

BEING HONEST WITH EACH OTHER

Therefore, they should no longer lie to one another.

We are all members of one body, so always speak the truth." Ephesians
4:25 (TLA)

Honesty strengthens the community.

Honesty deepens our relationships, allowing us to be transparent with each other.

with others.
(Proverbs 24:26). This allows our community to be open and authentic, giving us
freedom to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15). As we practice a true
integrity (Titus 2:7). This is how we remain sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit, (John
16:13). And it helps us to fight against the disappointments that could be obstacles in our
Christian life (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Honesty requires that we say what we mean and be sincere in what we say.
Matthew 5:37.
We should show the same honesty both in public and in private (Acts 20:20).
We are committed to one truth, not many (John 14:6).

They should no longer lie to one another. As a new creation in Christ, we have put off
our old man, and therefore, we should no longer lie to one another,
(Colossians 3:9). The devil is the father of lies: He has always been a murderer and a great
Liar, everything he says is just lies and makes people lie (John 8:44, TLA)
The people who reject the truth are sinful and evil (Romans 1:18), but we know the
and the truth has set us free (John 8:32).

There are two types of lies:

• Official lies: These are lies where we specifically make false ones.
statements, but the Bible tells us 'therefore, no longer lie, but say each
one the truth to your neighbor,” (Ephesians 4:25, DHH). Let us not be liars like that.
...hypocritical and deceitful people, incapable of feeling shame for anything.
TLA).

• Omissions: These are lies in which we fail by NOT saying everything.

truth or “we make misleading winks at others” These lies are characteristic of
“persuasive speaking” used in the times of Paul to gain entry into certain houses
because they have the habit of entering any house to deceive foolish women
and sinful women,” (2 Timothy 3:6, TLA) for the purpose of taking advantage of them. “In order to
counts, the one who reproves is appreciated more than the one who flatters" (Proverbs 28:23, NIV). "A
"A fair answer is worth all the signs of affection" (Proverbs 24:26, Latin American).

Always speaking the truth.

Rather, we have renounced all shameful things done in secret; we do not act with
we do not deceive or distort the word of God. On the contrary, through the clear exposition of the truth,
We recommend ourselves to every human conscience in the presence of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:2, NIV).
Therefore, "In our letters, we do not write anything different from what you can read and
understand." (2 Corinthians 1:13, DHH).
In fact, we use the power of God when we 'destroy arguments and every exaltation that is
we raise against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient
to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:2, NIV).

Otherwise, dishonesty will contaminate us and it will be difficult for us to develop a deep
trust one another. (Luke 16:10, NVI). For example, we might think that breaking
our word or promise is a minor issue, but this could end up causing problems in
the whole congregation. The New Testament records an incident in the Church of Galatia that
it has to do with our topic: when the apostle Peter said something to the new Christians, but
he did something completely different (Galatians 2:12). His attitude threatened the faith of a congregation
filled with new believers, so Paul wrote about it. "But when Peter came to
Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned (Galatians 2:11, KJV).

Finally, brothers, think about everything that is true, everything that is honorable, everything that is just, everything that is
pure, everything kind, everything worthy of admiration, in short, everything that is excellent or deserves
"Praise" (Philippians 4:8, NIV).
Because God says that one day, 'every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of
God the Father." (Philippians 2:11, NIV)

FOR MEDITATION
Honesty strengthens the community.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
That is why they should no longer lie to one another. We are all members of a
same body, so always tell the truth” Ephesians 4:25 (TLA)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What temptation do you struggle with more frequently: official lies or lies of omission?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 22

BEING AN EXAMPLE AMONG US

Brothers, follow my example, and pay attention to those who behave according to the model that
we have given them”. Philippians 3:17, (NIV)

We all need role models to help us mature.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that all they need to grow spiritually is
the Word of God and Prayer. But the truth is that we also need other people
that helps us grow. The character of Christ is constituted through relationships, not through
from isolation. There are many things that God wants you to learn about life that you never
you will learn alone. You will only learn these things in community.

We grow stronger and faster when we are in contact with examples of flesh and blood.
that teach us what a life guided by purposes is like. More than explanations; we need
examples. Pablo realized that the example has power when he advises, "Brothers, follow
All my example, and take a look at those who behave according to the model we have given them.
(Philippians 3:17, NIV). To grow, we need to observe how the principles work in the
practice. We need to see what beliefs look like when translated into
behavior in everyday situations.

When Paul traveled to a city to establish a church, he began his work simply,
living among the people. He was a 'living Bible,' reflecting the life of Jesus in whom: 'the Word
He became man and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14, NIV). While Paul lived among the people
he lived the truth of the Word in his own flesh.
After leaving the city, he wrote: 'Put into practice what you have learned, received and...
Listen, and what you have seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9, NIV).

Who are your role models for following Jesus? Who are you watching and from whom are you learning?
learning? Here's a more difficult question: Are you an example for someone else? Some say:
your actions scream so loudly that they drown out your words. As a believer, many times,
we are better at 'talking' than 'acting'.

Today, the world desperately needs people who can show them how to love.
wife and create a lasting marriage, how to relate to your children, how to do business
with integrity, how to handle conflicts the way Jesus would. These are lessons that
we learn by observing others.

Not only do we need models to grow, we also need mentors. Mentors are people
those who have followed Christ much longer than us and are able to share their
life lessons with others. You may have heard that it is wise to learn from experience,
but it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others. Life is too short to
learn everything from experience! And some painful experiences can be avoided if you are the
sufficiently ready to learn from the models of your family in the Church.

Ask yourself this: What has been the greatest positive influence in my life? For
many probably it wasn't a sermon or a seminar, or perhaps a lesson from the Academy
Biblical. It was someone who shaped your life through a personal relationship.

Can you see God's wisdom in creating the church, a family full of models and mentors for
our benefit? This is why we must be united to a small group, because it is
crucial for your spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to learn from each other.
Spend a few moments today doing this. Write down the names of the people from your church and
your small group of those you would like to learn from. Then specifically identify what you
I would like to learn from them.
They don't have to be perfect to be mentors. If perfection were a requirement, no one
besides Jesus, he could help us.

To grow spiritually, you must be willing to be a role model or a mentor for others. This
It can scare you, but it only requires you to be a step away from the person you are.
mentoring. People don't expect you to be perfect, they already know you are not.
What they want is for you to be honest. So let them see your struggles, not just your triumphs.
Generally, we grow more through the weaknesses of others, just as through their
fortresses.

FOR MEDITATION
We all need role models to help us mature.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
"Imitate me just as I imitate Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Whom will I imitate as models and mentors for my spiritual growth? For whom do I wish
be an example?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 23

Motivating each other

...encourage and build each other up.

We have the power to kill or give life.

Many of the messages we hear in the world are the kind that kill or harm us. We
they have said 'you are not smart enough'; 'you are not thin enough'; 'you are not
fast enough"; "you are not GOOD enough." The Bible says:"The tongue has
power to give life and to take it away; those who do not stop talking suffer the consequences
Proverbs 18:21, TLA.

In a world where people are hit and criticized, we can counteract the negative. We have the
the power to give life by telling each other: 'You matter to me, your life is valuable and has a purpose.'
God loves you and you are incredibly valuable to him. Our words may be the only ones.
words of encouragement that they hear throughout the day. We can become the voice of grace
God in their lives, helping them with words of encouragement. (Romans 14:19b).

Let's look at an example in Luke 13, where Jesus heals a woman who could not walk straight.
for 18 years.
When the leaders in the synagogue questioned the Sabbath, Jesus said that he was freeing a
"daughter of Abraham" from the bonds of Satan. He does not describe her as an old woman or as a
invalid woman, rather as an honorable daughter of the Jewish nation. But more importantly than this,
it was her tremendous need, her physical and spiritual condition as a priority over the others
daily routines

Can you imagine what a blessing it was for her to hear these words? Jesus healed her.
physically but also built it. She was a beloved daughter of Abraham, worthy of being taken in
count, and special enough to be by each other's side "building each other up
to others,” exactly how the Comforter is beside us to teach us and remind us
everything Jesus told us (John 14:26).

We become people who encourage when we stop despise others and we stop
focus on ourselves and rather start looking at God and our surroundings. Everything that
We have to do is look at the need around us and the opportunity to encourage and uplift.
It is in every place. "Each one must please his neighbor for his good, for the purpose of building him up."
(Romans 15:2, NVI)

So, this week, will you become a solid source of encouragement and cheer for those who
are around you? The choice is yours: You can uplift a person's spirit, change
the atmosphere of your office or lighten the load of someone in your small group. The Bible says:
"Always strive to do good, not only among yourselves but to everyone." (1 Thessalonians)
5:15, NIV.

The best place to start is in our small group, where we regularly come to
to build ourselves together.

Here are some steps to get started:

 • Commit to encourage. From today onwards, I agree that: "I will build up"
the people who are around me” Can you imagine the impact this would have? What
What kind of influence would you have if you committed to being a son or daughter who encourages?

• Value other people. In the past weeks of 40 days of Community, we have seen
over and over again that people are valuable to God and, if they are valuable to him,
then they should be valuable to us. Therefore I must be a person who
Encourage and work hard to highlight the best in others.

• Focus on what is truly important. When Jesus healed the 'daughter of Abraham,' He
focused on what was truly important. To become a person who encourages,
you may need to change your priorities, adjust your schedule, and focus on the
the fact that people are more valuable to God than tight schedules.

Make your conversation this week full of phrases like 'I believe in you...', 'I am grateful...'
por ti...”; “veo a Dios usándote como ...”; “Te aprecio...” y “soy feliz de que seas parte de mi vida”.
Cheer up, there are good news of great joy for all people, and his name is Christ the Lord.

FOR MEDITATION
We have the power to kill or give life.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
...encourage and build each other up.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can you become a conscious source of encouragement and support for those around you?
around?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 24

TEACHING EACH OTHER

Never forget the wonderful teachings of Christ. And when you teach each other
others, or they are corrected, do it wisely. Sing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
giving thanks to God with all my heart. Philippians 3:17 (TLA)

We are all teachers of faith.

We can be good teachers or we can be bad teachers, but we are teachers. It is of

hope that each day our behavior adapts to biblical examples and that
let us respond with attitudes like those of Jesus.
The Bible sees us as teachers and encourages us to teach one another. Writing to a group
Of believers, the Apostle Paul declared: 'I am sure that you yourselves are full of goodness,'
they are full of knowledge and are able to instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14)
NVI)

Some of us have this myth in our minds that the only people who can
to teach are those who have the sufficient skill for this or who are professionals, nothing more
far from the truth. Each one of us has something to offer to our friends and to our
small group. While we share our knowledge about a passage from the Bible;
while we advise others based on our experiences; while we pray with our
group in times of crisis: we are teaching.

Teaching involves more than unpacking the stories of the Bible or imparting knowledge.
theological; we also teach when we help each other understand how to love
our wife, to make wise decisions, and to keep our mind clear.

Pablo says that: "we should advise each other." This means that we must also be
learners, listening to other believers as they talk about the work of God in their
lives and we observe one another to see how the reality of
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27, NIV).

King Solomon, a man whom the Bible says was the wisest person who ever lived.
he lived, he said that it is vital to learn from our friends (Proverbs 12:15). Solomon wrote in
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."
prosperous

In today's verse, Paul gives us an outline of how to teach and learn from one another.
others:

• Let the words of Christ live in your heart. We must know the Word.
of God before teaching it. While we listen, read, study, memorize and
we meditate on the Words of Christ, we are bringing them to our hearts. 'This
makes us wise and gives us the knowledge we need to teach each other
"others". (Romans 15:14b, NIV).

• Let us use the Word of God to teach and advise one another. This is
more than human knowledge or some type of experience that we must convey to
others. Whenever Paul wrote to a congregation, he challenged believers to
to teach and encourage each other with the truth of God. Very often we look to
 the 'wisdom' of the world when we seek answers; with all, it is the world that
desperately needs the spiritual wisdom found in the Word of God.

Of course, once we learn from God's wisdom, we must apply it correctly.

in our lives, holding on tightly, not loosening: "Hold on to instruction, do not let it go.
escape; take good care of her, for she is your life.” (Proverbs 4:13, NIV).

Your small group provides an excellent opportunity for each member to develop their
skills as a leader and teacher. In your Small Group consider the possibility of rotating each
week in such a way that everyone has the opportunity to lead the discussion or guide certain
sections of your Small Group meeting. This will help and encourage each member of the group
to grow in their faith and in their gifts, the Bible says: "If someone who is seated receives a
revelation, let the one speaking yield the word. This way everyone can prophesy in turn, so that
everyone should receive instruction and encouragement. (1 Corinthians 14:30-31, NIV).

The relationships you have made in your Small Group are not coincidences. It hasn't been because of
accident that God placed you in this small group for the study of these 40 Days of
Community. There are things that your Small Group will learn only from you and things that you
you will learn from the people in your Small Group. What an incredible privilege! The God of the Universe has
chosen to speak to the life of your friends and has provided you with friends who will be able to
speak to your own life.

FOR MEDITATION
We are all teachers of faith.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly: teach and counsel one another
to others with all wisdom.” Colossians 3:16a (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What are some lessons that God has taught you recently that you can share?
with your small group?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 25

Encouraging one another

Instead, as long as that 'today' lasts, encourage one another every day, so that none of
you should harden yourselves because of the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

If you care, you share.

This is not my business, I don't care." It is not a Christian phrase. Just like "Iron sharpens iron.
"Iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17, NIV) we should help each other in our purpose of
to become more like Christ and we must also protect each other so as not to fail in our
We need people in our lives who love us enough to urge us when
be necessary.

As we studied last week, God wants us to tell the truth to one another 'no longer
they must lie to each other. We are all members of one body, so
"that they always tell the truth" (Ephesians 4:25, TLA). Note that the basis for telling the truth and
Exhorting one another is that "We are members of one another."

Our exhortations should not be mere reprimands; rather, they should be corrective and
cheerleaders to remind us that our purpose is to glorify God. They are exhortations to
restoration, like corrections of love with a humble heart and compassionate words. The
Apostle Paul said: "So be alert. Remember that day and night, for three years, I have not...
left off admonishing each one in particular with tears." (Acts 20:31, NIV) Can you
to listen to the passion and compassion in his/her voice?
When our exhortations are motivated by love and based on our commitment to
others, it is hard for us to be harsh or stingy. They must tell others how much they
we love.

We must exhort, yes, but we must also be willing to be exhorted. The fact is that
we all have 'blind spots'. We use this phrase to describe the inability of a
driver to see certain areas around the vehicle they are driving. To see 'the point
"blind", the driver needs a little help from someone else, for example the passenger in the seat.
rear of the car. This illustration helps explain the basis of the exhortation. Likewise, we
we need friends who help us see the danger that is approaching. Anyone who allows us to
knowing that not straying from the path of danger would not be a true friend; and the warning
for us it is not to ruin our skills, but to stay on the right path. The
The fact is that we all have weaknesses and need help to see the danger that is
about.

Just like when we drive, the care must be immediate. "Rather, while it lasts
this "today", encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13, NIV), so the encouragement must be
in due time, because waiting leads to disaster. Take the risk of getting involved, but
How many marriages could be saved, how many relationships healed, how many decisions avoided,
if someone had loved enough to warn us of the danger?

As you think about your Christian friends or your small group, is there anyone who needs to be
advertised? Maybe you see some unhealthy trend developing in someone's life? Maybe
Have you noticed a growing cynicism from someone who is playing with the feelings of a
miss or perhaps about a financial debt or someone who is dedicated to working
excessively?
You have likely heard this voice telling you: 'This is none of your business. It's not your
incumbency. Who are you to exhort others? You have your own problems.” But yes it is
your matter.
If you don't care about your friend's life, who will?

FOR MEDITATION
It's your responsibility!

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Rather, as long as that "today" lasts, encourage one another every day, so that none of
Do not harden your hearts because of the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
We would not hesitate to stop a friend who is going against the traffic.
Why then do we hesitate to urge our friend who is heading towards sin and death?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 26

GIVING PREFERENCE TO ONE ANOTHER

Do nothing out of selfishness or vain conceit; rather, in humility consider others as

better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Let others go first.

If you have read the book 'A Purpose Driven Life' you will remember that the first sentence of the book is: 'It does not...'
It's about you.” God designed us not to think about ourselves and to live with purpose.
for others. According to Jesus, we live life in his way when we prioritize one another.
the others. "Self-help is not effective in everything. Sacrifice is the path, my path to
"to find yourself, your true self" (Matthew 16:25, PAR).

It can be easy to let others go first by waiting in line to register, but what?
When there are matters of greater importance at stake, the things that really matter to you? Some
Sometimes showing preference to others means sacrificing ourselves for what is best for the Body of
Christ. We live our faith in community and say 'We' instead of 'I' and 'our' instead of
place of 'mine'. The Bible says: 'Let no one seek his own good, but the good of the other.' (1 Corinthians 10:12)
RV)

The Bible tells us to allow others to go first, willingly putting ourselves in the
position of someone who helps and supports others, like 'playing second fiddle' (Romans
12:10). To do this, we need to change our way of thinking, we must review and
examine our perspective. Every day we are teachers, encouraged and motivated to live a
a life centered on ourselves, but Paul challenges us to consider others better than ourselves.
We ourselves "Each one must look not only to their own interests but to change our
perspective requires:

• Dissolve the competition. Is there unhealthy competition in some of our relationships?

Do you always try to be better than others?

• Eliminate pride. Do you always want everything to be done your way? Do you easily admit
When do you make mistakes? Teenagers: Is it possible that your parents are right? Parents
Is it possible for your children to have an accurate opinion?

• Increase consideration. Are you considerate of those around you? Do you assume to have
rights for only some things? Are you sensitive to physical needs and
emotional issues of your husband or close family member?

Giving preference to one another is a monumental challenge and this is why we must
depend on the power of Christ to help us do this. Paul says in Ephesians 5:21 (NIV),
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." The reverence we have for Christ translates into
our willingness to submit to one another and put others first.

Our change in perspective quickly reflects in our behavior when:

• We allow someone to tell something without interrupting them.

• We allow someone else to choose the place where we will have lunch.
• Let's listen with interest and attention.
 • We genuinely celebrate the victories of others.
• We serve our small group with no hidden agenda.
• We pray constantly and fervently for the need of someone.

As homework for today, make a list of five specific ways in which you can
show preference for your family or members of your small group. You will discover great joy
in this "preferential" lifestyle and you will understand then what it is: "...It is more blessed to give
"that you may receive" (Acts 20:35, RV).

FOR MEDITATION
Let others go first.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
In what ways or in what situations do you need to practice being 'the second violin' this week?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 27

CONFESSING OUR FAULTS TO ONE ANOTHER

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)

The purpose of confession is not to dishonor, but to forgive.

When the Bible uses the word confess, it literally means 'to say the same.' When
we confess, we are saying the same thing that God says about our sin. This means
that we recognize and accept our responsibility for our sin. We confess because of
from a repentant heart that wishes to obey and please God, not merely because we have
they were caught doing something wrong.

So, who should we confess our sins to? Do we confess our sins to Jesus or
to the people? The Bible says that we should confess our sins to both. The apostle John
He wrote: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and
cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9, RV). Scripture is clear. Only Christ can forgive.
our sins and we as Christians can go to Him at any time, in any
place and He will forgive us.

It is also important to note that forgiveness has to do with fellowship. John wrote to the
believers about what believers should do when they sin. You do not need to do
confession of sins to re-enter the family of God you are already a member of the family.
Confess your sins to restore your communion with God.

We also confess our sins to one another: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another,
and pray for others, so that they may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective" (James
5:16, NIV). Note that James says that the confession we make to one another is 'so that
let us be healed" not so that we may be forgiven.

Forgiveness comes only from God, but healing comes from our confession within the community.
The confession that Santiago speaks of is not the result of an interrogation but rather it is the
result of a contrite heart that voluntarily acknowledges its sin 'If someone turns out to
guilty of any of these things, he must acknowledge that he has sinned” (Leviticus 5:5, NIV).

So, where in the church could it take place? The confession should not be made.
in a worship service nor in a class of the Bible Academy where everyone is
focused on a Bible Study. The only place in the church where James 5:16 can be
practiced is in a small group. This must be an environment that is safe and marked by
an unconditional love.

Confession and confidentiality go hand in hand. People must be able to trust

so that if they share, their confession will not go beyond the group. The group must also be
a place of grace. There should never be a question pondering acceptance or love that is
one must have for a person, no matter what they share.

Why does God want us to confess our faults to one another? There are at least
two powerful reasons:

First. One thing is to read about God's forgiveness in the Bible and another very different thing is to hear and
to feel the grace and love of God in the voices of your friends. When we confess our faults
and yet we are accepted unconditionally, the love of God and forgiveness become greater
tangibles.
Secondly. Confession reduces the power of a secret. The beginning of healing is recognizing
our mistakes.
There is something purifying and liberating when we confess our faults. This allows our
group to be by our side to support us or pray for us in our struggles. The purpose of
Confession is not to dishonor, but to forgive. It is not for humiliation, but for restoration.

Finally, what should we do when someone confesses their faults to us?

• Listen to it gently.
• Do not try to minimize the seriousness of his sin.
• Don't try to fix anything.
• We must be emotionally present in the moment and suffer with them.
• Manifest your love to him and the forgiveness of God.
• Question: How can we support you?
• Pray for them and with them.

The whole idea of confession may seem strange and uncomfortable. But it is biblical and important.
for your spiritual health. Is God speaking to you right now about any area?
Hidden from your life that needs to be confessed?

FOR MEDITATION
The purpose of confession is not to dishonor, but to forgive

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Is God speaking to you right now about some hidden area of your life that
Does it need to be confessed? What are you doing about it?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 28

Forgiving one another

Rather, be kind and compassionate to one another, and forgive each other, just as
God forgave you in Christ." Ephesians 4:34, NIV)

Brotherhood without forgiveness is impossible.

As believers, we are called to reconcile with others; 'All this comes from God,
who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18, NIV). We need to forgive others and receive forgiveness: "so that
do not be consumed by excessive sadness

Whenever we are hurt by someone, we must take a lesson: do we focus on the

revenge or in resolving the conflict?

The Bible speaks frankly about settling accounts: "Make sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong.
for evil; rather, always strive to do good, not just among yourselves but to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:15, NIV.

In God's economy, it is not enough to say that we will not seek revenge: we must
let us strive to have a heart willing to forgive. "forgive one another, just as
God forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV).

As we read in the Bible, forgiveness is not optional for the follower of Christ. God establishes the
a standard so high because He knows how much is at stake in your life. Bitterness and lack of forgiveness
is a cancer that will eventually destroy you from the inside out. Forgiveness is the scalpel that
remove the tumor of bitterness
This does not mean that you will always be able to forgive or be forgiven. You may have to
to keep forgiving time and again until you know you have freed the offender. But forgiveness is
a choice that you must make and that God expects you to make.

In the book of Colossians, Paul provides the basis and motivation for forgiveness: "Be tolerant
the one with the others, and if someone has a complaint against another, forgive each other, just as the Lord
he has forgiven you” (Colossians 3:13, TLA). Romans 5:8, (NIV) tells us “But although
we were still sinners," (before we had asked for forgiveness) "God demonstrated His great
love in sending Jesus Christ to die for us"When we remember the price that Jesus paid
To forgive each other, how can we not forgive?

So, what does it mean to forgive? First, let's agree on the meaning of forgiving.
It does not mean doing some kind of mental gymnastics to erase your wound, and it does not mean pretending that it doesn't exist.
You have been hurt. Rather, forgiveness means that you no longer hold the offense against the offender.
It means that you have forgiven the debt and that you have intentionally chosen to release the one who owes you.
he wounded. You love deeply, '...because love covers a multitude of sins' (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)

Here are some steps towards forgiveness:

• Talk to God before talking to the person. Like David in the Psalms, use the
Prayer to express your ideas and feelings vertically. Cry out to God telling Him
exactly how you feel. He will not be surprised or disturbed by your anger, hurt,
insecurity, or bitterness.

• Always take the initiative. It doesn't matter if you are the offended or the offender. Jesus taught us
to make the first move. "Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there
remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there in front of the altar, and
 go, first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering" (Matthew
5:23-24, DHH.

• Confess your part in the conflict. If you are serious about restoring a relationship, you should
start by admitting your own mistakes or sins. Jesus said this was the way to
see things more clearly: "Hypocrite!, first take the beam out of your own eye, and
Then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:5, NIV)

Perhaps you need to stop right now and have an honest conversation with God about
someone you need to forgive. Your Heavenly Father knows that it is not easy to let go of your wounds,
but He will help you and give you grace to forgive. So do it NOW. You will be pleased to
do it.

FOR MEDITATION
Brotherhood without forgiveness is impossible.

VESICLE TO REMEMBER
Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as
God forgave you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
If there is someone you need to forgive, when are you going to do it?

If there is someone you have wronged, when will you ask for forgiveness?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 29

Willing to serve

I speak to you this way, brothers, because you have been called to be free, but do not take advantage of...
that freedom to give free rein to their passions. Rather, serve one another with love.
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

We have been saved to serve one another.

Many people have a wrong concept about what it means to be called by God, for they think
that only missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other church leaders have that duty. The Bible
says that we are all called to be servants of God, and the way to serve God is
serving others. We have not been saved by serving, but to serve.

Today’s verse gives us three ideas of what it means to serve God by serving others.

First. The basis for serving others is salvation. Paul says: "you have been called to be
free" You cannot serve God unless you have been freed by Jesus. This is the pre-
requirement to serve. Unless you experience the transforming power of God's grace in your
life, you will also be enslaved by your own habits, wounds, and worries that do not you
stop thinking about others. Without the freedom of forgiveness, you will end up serving for causes
incorrect: trying to remedy your guilt or trying to impress God. The service that is
motivated by these illegitimate reasons will inevitably lead you to dissatisfaction and to
bitterness.

Second. The barrier to serving others is selfishness. Paul warns, 'Only that they do not use the
freedom as an occasion for the flesh.” The number 1 reason why we do not have the time or energy
to serve others is because we are concerned with our own agendas, dreams and
pleasures. In the 1960s, the "Hippie" movement spread through San Francisco and then across
all of the United States. The 'Hippies' were generally young people of college age who
they rebelled against authority and bragged about their freedom which consisted of the free consumption of
drugs and the practice of free sex. These people slept in Golden Gate Park and begged.
instead of looking for a job.

They proudly defined themselves as 'counter-culture,' although they did exactly what
What a lot of people do: To please themselves. Today, television commercials tell you:
Obey your thirst!”, “Do it your way!”, “Do what is best for you!”. Most of the
We are interested in serving ourselves instead of serving.

A true 'counter-culture' lifestyle is serving others. It is much more radical to care for
the needs of someone you selfishly focus on yourself. Only a small minority of
people use their lives to serve others. But Jesus said: "For whoever wants to save their life,
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake and for the gospel will save it." (Mark 8:35)
NVI)

Third. Love is the reason that drives us to serve. Paul says: 'we serve out of love for one another.
the others.
This is an important key to building camaraderie. Without love, our service is worth nothing.
the eyes of God. 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV) says: "If I give all I possess to the poor, and if
I surrender my body to be consumed by the flames, but I have no love, I gain nothing from it.
God is much more interested in why you serve others and less interested in how well you do it.
You serve. He is always looking at your heart.
This week, we will learn about another six practical ways of "one another" through which you
small group could promote the service among each other, including the rest of the church. Today
It is time to prepare your heart for these lessons. Do not look at serving others as
an obligation or a duty.
Serve voluntarily and diligently, out of love for Jesus, in gratitude for all that He has done for
you.

Remember then that serving on earth is a practice for eternity, and you will be following the
example of Jesus when you are serving others. Jesus, after washing the feet of his
disciples said: "I have set an example for you, so that you may do the same as I have done with you.
you (plural)" John 13:15, (NIV)

FOR MEDITATION
We have been saved to serve one another. Are you saved?

VERSE TO REMEMBER
We all must please our neighbor and do things for their good and for the
mutual edification. Romans 15:2 (DHH)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How will you serve someone in your church, small group, or work today?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 30

HELPING EACH OTHER

When you have difficulties, help one another. That is the way to obey the law of
Christ." Galatians 6:2 (TLA)

We must bear one another's burdens.

The meaning of this verse is that we must help our brothers and sisters to bear the
heavy burdens of life such as a terrible loss, a crushing circumstance, or a
painful diagnosis. These are the types of problems that threaten to overwhelm us and
to destroy us, similar to the urgent passage of the cross that Jesus carried on Golgotha (John 19:17).

Just as Simon of Cyrene carried the heavy wooden cross with Jesus.
we must intervene by supporting our friends, even if that means that
Let's carry each other's burdens for a moment. Martin Luther referred to this as the law of mutual love.
We as a community of believers must work together to face
many challenges of life (Galatians 6:2).

Our acts of love and support for one another fulfill 'the law of Christ'. Together we are
better, when we help each other to face the problems in our homes, with our
careers, with our marriages, and with our health. We build our lives on the
promise of the Father, who will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and we offer the
same promise to our families and friends.

Here we have some fundamental principles to face difficulties together:

• Open your hearts to God. We feel all kinds of emotions when we are
In the face of a crisis: fear, anger, concern, depression, helplessness, resentment.
Our small groups can be an appropriate place to open up completely.
our hearts to God (Psalms 62:8), among one another. "The Lord is near to
the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18 (NIV) Jesus
He said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

• Approach others in their distress. Do not allow the members of your group
little ones isolate themselves when they are going through a crisis. Offer them support, encouragement, and your
presence (Proverbs 18:24)

• Be grateful.Encourage one another to remain free from bitterness

(Hebrews 2:15), remembering to be thankful and that they should focus on what is not
lost, not in what was lost.

• Focus on true values. A crisis often helps us to clarify.

our values and to reveal to us what truly matters. Jesus told us that, "the life of
a person does not depend on the abundance of their possessions” Luke 12:15b (NIV)

• Lean on Jesus. Let Christ bring stability in the midst of the crisis. God
constantly cares for its creatures, helping them confront bad news.
(Psalm 112:6-7)
 • Listen to the direction of God.For I know very well the plans I have for
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

• Trust in the hand of God.God is our refuge and strength, our help
safe in times of distress. That's why we will not fear even if it crumbles
the earth and the mountains sink into the depths of the sea.” Psalms 46:1-2 (NIV)

Inevitably, the different members of your small group will face a crisis, and when
they do it, you should see that crisis as if it were your own, offering them tangible support and
constant encouragement. One day, you may need the same help when you go through a moment
difficult.

Working together, we can confidently say, 'We were so overwhelmed under so much pressure,'
that we even lost hope of coming out alive: we felt like we were sentenced to death.
But this happened so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises the
dead. He delivered us and will deliver us from such a danger of death. "In Him we have placed our
confidence, and he will continue to deliver us." 2 Corinthians 1:8b, 10 (NIV).

FOR MEDITATING
We must bear one another's burdens.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
When you have difficulties, help each other.
This is the way to obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (TLA)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Who do you know that needs your help to carry their burden today?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 31

BEING GENEROUS WITH ONE ANOTHER

All the believers were together and had everything in common.

You have more to share than you can imagine.

The primitive church understood this; their lives are described in Acts 2:44. "All the believers
they were together and had everything in common. If someone in the congregation had a need, everyone
they worked together to solve it. That's why some believers guided by the Spirit sold their
possessions and gave the money to those in need. (Acts 4:34-35).

This is not communism; it is community. This means admitting that retaining more than what
we need, "it is not right". 2 Kings 7:8-9 (NIV) but: "Each of you has received from
God has given each of you a special ability. Use it well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10, TLA)
Everything we have is 'good and perfect' (James 1:17, NIV) and comes from our Father.
Heavenly, 'who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ'
(Ephesians 1:3, NIV). We give generously because God gave generously.

You may not have much money to give, but you can give your time and talents; this is what
Better to be generous. But you can also be generous with the abundance of your possessions.
Donating for example:

• Baby clothes stored in a closet.

• An old computer.
• Extra tickets for a sporting event.
• One of the two toasters that were gifted to you at your wedding.

Imagine how much you could bless others if you simply cleaned out your closets and gave away from them.
what you have in abundance, by giving away the things you no longer use to people who will. By gifting
these articles, you model an unconditional love for giving them without restrictions.

But here is an important point: You don't have to give away something to share it! You can be
rich in the sense that you have a lot of things you can lend to others. Anyone
can be offered to share things like:

• Your homemade tools.

• Books, magazines.
• An empty room in your house.

When we do not share, we prevent the community of believers from experiencing the great
God's blessings, and we become poor stewards of everything that God has given us.
It means that some gifts of God are not being used as widely as they should be.
We deprive ourselves of the joy of living generously among each other.
Christian brothers.

There is another reason we must learn to be generous with one another: By being generous with
the world our faith strengthens. Almost three billion people, approximately half
of the world, lives on less than two dollars a day. Your small group can change the way of
life of needy communities, practicing generosity together. The things you lend to
other believers or the baby clothes you pass on to another family, and other activities as well, could
help people who do not have resources to meet their needs.
As we learn to practice generosity together, here are some characteristics to
develop

• Remember that everything belongs to God. Our harvest comes from God, even the
seeds to harvest the crop. "God gives the seed that is sown and the bread that is
he will provide for you, and will also give you everything you need and will make you have more and more each time.
and more, so that they can help others." (2 Corinthians 9:10, TLA).

• Give from a joyful heart. God does not want your possessions, He wants your heart (Matthew 6:21).
What motivates you to give? Paul wrote, 'God loves a cheerful giver.' 2 Corinthians 9:7b
(NVI).

• Never give under pressure. God wants you to 'make a determination of what you will give'. 'No
we must give with sadness or out of obligation." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (TLA). If you feel
pressured to give, do not do it. God wants you to consider carefully your
generosity, and then you will give willingly. Be sensitive to what they allocate the
members of your small group, to what God will place in their hearts for them to give and
share.

You really have more to share than you imagine. The Bible promises: "He who is generous,
progress; he who sows also reaps" Proverbs 11:25 (TLA). Learn to live
generously. Ultimately, you will be richer because of it.

FOR MEDITATION
You have more to share than you imagine.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Each one must give as they believe they should.
We do not have to give reluctantly, nor out of obligation. God loves a cheerful giver!” 2 Corinthians
9:7 (TLA)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How attached are you to your possessions?
Do you possess them or do they possess you?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 32

Being humble with one another

Everyone should submit to one another out of humility, because:

God opposes the proud, but helps the humble with His goodness.
1 Peter 5:5

Remember to be forgetful.

The life of a servant requires a kind of forgetfulness, the ability to forget ourselves.
the same, as our Lord Jesus Christ also did "who, being by nature God, did not
he considered equality with God something to be grasped" (Philippians 2:4, NIV) but
voluntarily took "the nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7, NIV). And we must
support others, and seek their well-being. Thus we will help them trust more in God.
15:2, NVI.

One night Jesus answered the question about help: "He got up from the table, took off his
he put on a mantle and tied a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into a container and began to wash their
He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him (John 13:4-5, NIV).

Washing the feet of others was a typical task reserved for the humblest of servants; But
Jesus, who spoke without words, taught us that no act of service was inferior to his heart.
full of love. He placed the needs of his disciples above his own, even when
the shadow of his death darkened the Upper Room.

The key to humility is knowing who you are; when you understand what you are, you will be very
comfortable grabbing the towel instead of attracting attention. Jesus didn't care if someone did not care.
He confused it with a servant because He knew what his mission in life was. He was more interested
in serving people than in impressing them.

The centurion in Luke 7 was a man of remarkable humility. With Jesus on the way, the
Official sent a message: Sir, do not take so much trouble, for I do not deserve that you come under my
But with just one word you say, my servant will be healed. I myself obey.
superior orders and, moreover, I have soldiers under my authority. I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to
Another: "Come", and he comes. I say to my servant: "Do this", and he does it. (Luke 7:5-8, NIV).

He could have insisted that Jesus finish the journey to his house. And this wouldn't have
Did it catch the attention of the community? But the need was for his servant to be healed and not...
impress the people.

Even more remarkable is the way the soldier describes himself to Jesus. Instead of
to emphasize his high rank, he points out his own position under authority to give orders was
interconnected with its ability to receive them, and that its importance and value had nothing to do with
to act according to their hierarchical position.

Humility simply means that we maintain an accurate and impartial assessment of

our strengths and weaknesses. We understand our shape and our gifts, and we are
aware of it, but we do not worry too much about our limitations. We see everything
what we have as a gift from God, and we know that without Him, we have nothing.

Our critical first step in developing humility like Jesus is to cling completely to
the greatness of God's love for us. When we allow the length, width,
depth, and the height of your love penetrate our inner nature (Ephesians 3:18),
we will find that our insecurities have been cleared, and we will be authorized to
to serve others with genuine humility.

Our second step is to surrender our agenda to God. We pray, 'God, I agree with your
plans for my life, not with mine. I have plans, I have dreams, I have goals, I have
ambitions, but I know that you placed me on this earth for a reason, for a purpose, and I am
intentionally choosing your plan for my life instead of my own. I know you are not going to do it for me.
reveal everything immediately; it will take a little time. But I am willing to take a
one step at a time, knowing that your plan is better than mine.

Jesus didn't care if someone confused him with a servant, how would you react?

FOR MEDITATION
Humility is the result of knowing who you are.

VESICLE TO REMEMBER
Everyone must submit to one another with humility, because:
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (TLA)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How do you feel when you are treated like a servant?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 33

USING OUR TALENTS TO BLESS EACH OTHER

As good stewards of the various gifts of God, each of you should serve the
demás según lo que haya recibido”.1 Pedro 4:10 (DHH)

Find the relationship between the will of God and your gifts.

God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well,

(Romans 12:6-8). Although he is specifically speaking about spiritual gifts in this
passage, its purpose is universal, any skill that God gives us, we must use to
bless others.

The Bible is full of examples of people who use the gifts that God has given them to
to bless others, for His glory. This list of gifts includes, but is not limited to: art,
architecture, management, planning, shipbuilding, making designs, the
embroidery, the print, agriculture, fishing, horticulture, sailing, selling, being a
soldier, to be a tailor, to be a teacher, writing literature and poetry.

God wants to use our gifts in a "creative" way (Hebrews 10:24), breaking the molds that
limits our concepts of Christian service to a small list of traditional roles. He
wants us to operate from the perspective that we have been endowed to do what
we can do, and all this 'For the glory of God' (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV). He gives you abilities,
interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experience for the same reason. Still, the
Most of these gifts remain unused, unrecognized, and unutilized.

Would you be surprised to know that some studies indicate that the average believer has 500.
to 700 different skills and abilities and all the gifts are intended to contribute to the
Body of Christ? You don't need to worry about yourself, your talents seem very common;
despite this, they have an eternal importance to God. Jesus said that 'anyone who gives to one of
these little ones a glass of cold water only, for as he is a disciple, I surely say to you that
He will not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42 DHH)

Like colored glass, our different personalities reflect the light of God in a variety.
of colors and models. He shaped us, so there will be no duplicates - none of us have the
the same mix of factors that makes us unique. This means that no one else on earth is
able to do things for others that you are capable of doing. Because we are a creation
for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us
we would walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, DHH)

One way to evaluate your gifts and abilities is by looking at your FORM, an acrostic that you
will help evaluate God's design in your life:

• Spiritual gifts: God gives you spiritual gifts to use in a ministry.

Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4.
• Heart: Your heart determines why you say those things you do, why you feel that way.
That way and why you act the way you do. (Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 12:34).
• Abilities: These are natural talents that God gives you to carry out his
purposes. Exodus 31:3 (NIV) God declares that He gives skills and knowledge 'And I have
filling of the Spirit of God, of wisdom, intelligence, and creative ability.
 • Personality: Your personality affects the use of your gifts. For example, two people
they may have the gift of evangelism, but if one is introverted and the other is extroverted,
this gift will be expressed in different ways.
• Experiences: These five areas of expertise can influence your service to others: the
education, vocation, spiritual experiences, service, and experiences
painful.

You feel good when you do the things for which you have been trained by God and when you use
your talents to bless others. Phil Vischer (the creator of VeggieTales and the voice of
Bob, the tomato once said :)
There is no place happier than the meeting of God's will and your gifts.

Here are some questions to help you find the relationship:

• What am I good at to offer a ministry to other people?

• How do I know that I can teach others?
• What can I do and what can I give someone as a blessing?

Ask the members of your small group to help you find the things you know how to do.
well and how they can also be used in the ministry.

FOR MEDITATION
Find the relationship between the will of God and your gifts.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Let's try to help and love one another, and do good.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can you use your gifts and skills to serve God by serving others?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 34

SACRIFICING OURSELVES FOR EACH OTHER

But we know what love is, because Jesus Christ gave his life for us.
In the same way, we must give our lives for our brothers in Christ.” 1 John 3:16
(TLA)

A serious service requires a serious sacrifice.

Even so, some believers live lifestyles that require little or no sacrifice. They
They may be familiar with John 3:16 (TLA), 'For God so loved the world', but
They need to be equally familiar with 1 John 3:16 (TLA): "But we know what
It is love, because Jesus Christ gave His life for us. Thus, we too must give.
our life for our brothers in Christ.

The Apostle Paul says that our work as servants of God is validated when we live
difficult times "In everything we do, we demonstrate that we are servants of God, and all
we have endured with patience. We have suffered and had many problems and needs. They have
put in jail amidst great uproar, we have been mistreated. We have worked a lot.
Sometimes we haven't slept or eaten. Despite all that, our behavior has been
impeccable, we know the truth, we are patient and kind. The Holy Spirit is in our
lives, and we truly love. With the power that God gives us, we proclaim the true message.
When we have difficulties, we face them, and we defend ourselves by always doing and saying what
what is right. Sometimes they respect us and treat us well, but other times they despise us and us
They mistreat. Sometimes they speak well of us, and other times badly. Although we tell the truth,
They call us liars. Although they know us very well, they treat us like strangers. Always
We are in mortal danger, but we are still alive. They punish us, but they do not kill us.
It seems that we are sad, but in reality we are happy. It seems that we are poor, but
We make many rich. It seems that we have nothing, but we have everything." (2 Corinthians
6:4-10, TLA). GLORY TO GOD

Pablo considered that the cost we must bear to enrich the lives of others is the
the name of Christ, is a sacrifice that is worth following (Philippians 3:7). He kept his eyes
firmly in the prize (Philippians 3:14). He followed Jesus, who "endured the shame of
to die nailed to a cross because I knew that, after so much suffering, I would be very happy. And
now he has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, TLA)
Jesus set aside the privileges of his deity and took on the 'condition of a servant' (Philippians 2:7)
so those who believe in Him can be "sealed as God's property with the Spirit
Holy whom he had promised" (Ephesians 1:13, DHH).

You and I benefit daily from the sacrifice made by other believers. An illustration
Simple is the building where you gather to participate in the weekly worship service. Have you...
Have you ever thought about how many people have sacrificed themselves so that you have a place?
to worship?

Previous generations have sacrificed for our benefit, and now it is our turn.
serving turn in the purposes of God for our generation (Acts 13:36). God does not us
asks us to give more than Jesus, who "sent his son so that we could be forgiven.
through his sacrifice. My children, if God has loved us this way, we must also
love one another.” (1 John 4:10, NIV)
Our sacrifice as Christians should be:

• Volunteer. Jesus said that his life was not taken, but he gave it up voluntarily.
(John 10:18), in the same way the first Christian martyr, Stephen, offered his life
voluntarily (Acts 7:59-60). They cannot ask us to die for our faith, but
Jesus expects us to die daily to our own interests for the sake of others.
(Luke 9:23).

• Expensive. The king of Israel David said that he would not offer any sacrifice to God that did not cost him...
it costs nothing. (2 Samuel 24:24). Serving God is expensive, and the cost is not only financial,
It is more than this. We may be asked to give up our dreams, our expectations,
to our reputation, to our pension, whatever God may demand from us to
enrich others.

• We must give ourselves. "Be humble, kind, and patient, and

with love support one another”. (Ephesians 4:2 TLA), doing what they do not
they can do for themselves; we must do this regularly, and not according to how we
let's feel.

What are some ways to sacrifice oneself daily?

• Give your time to take care of those around you.

• Give your reputation defending Jesus.
• Take the risk of rejection for defending other believers.
• Support the people in your small group who need to go on missions.
• Use your vacation time for the ministry.

When we willingly follow what the Scripture says, 'offer your body as a living sacrifice'
living, holy and pleasing to God,” (Romans 12:1, NIV), we discover that serving one another,
it is the center of God's will for our lives "Thus you will be able to prove what is the
the will of God, good, pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2, NIV)

FOR MEDITATION
A serious service requires a serious sacrifice.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
But we know what love is, because Jesus Christ gave his life for us. Thus
we too must give our lives for our brothers in Christ." 1 John 3:16 (TLA)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What sacrifice can you make that will enrich the lives of many?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 35

COOPERATING WITH EACH OTHER

"In this, we are coworkers in God's service" 1 Corinthians 3:9a (NIV)

Together is better!

God's plan is for us to partner with Him and with one another to fulfill
Its purposes. But the fact is that societies are made up of parts. Like
we learned on day 15, "We, being many, form one body in
Christ, and each member is united to all the others” (Romans 12:5, NIV).

We have learned that God wants unity in the community, a unity of Spirit where
let's agree "fill me with joy living all in harmony, united by the same love,
by one same spirit and for one same purpose” (Philippians 2:2, DHH). Our diversity is a
significant aspect of God's plans to create this unity. We all form the body of
Christ, "and each one is an individual and necessary member of the same" (1 Corinthians 12:27, N.T.)
living.

We see this modeled every weekend at church: People with diverse talents and
capabilities come together to prepare the place for our worship services. Some are
cleaning, others are organizing; some are preparing to teach, others to give the
welcome to all people; everyone collaborating as one Body to tell others about
Jesus. And we are just a congregation. In other places, the 'Body' is doing a work.
similar around the world.

It is a paradox of our faith that we find our only and specific purpose in life.
only after we surrender our individuality, for the good of many. We become
in one heart and one mind with God and with other believers (John 17:21-22), and in security
from that community, our true value as individuals becomes more evident.

Together, we entered into a partnership where we must remain united and with a great task:
Tell the world that God sent Jesus (John 17:21), we cannot do it alone or without God.
So that in everything we do we become more and more like Christ, who reigns over
the church. Christ is the one who unites each member of the church according to their functions, and makes
that everyone works in harmony, so that the church keeps growing and gaining more strength.
cause of love” (Ephesians 4:15b-16, TLA)

Together is better; and this 40-day study will help us see our ability to relate to each other
and encourage each other to start working together as a community of peers
interdependent.
The people in your small group are not together by accident; surely it is the hand of God.
he has brought you together for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14, NIV), with the necessary components
to learn together to love, to have companionship, to grow, to serve, to be on a mission and to worship
together.

This week in your small group, identify the strength of each member, affirming and
confirming the SHAPE of some and others. This is an important step to work together on their
ministerial project.

As homework for today, think about your place in the body of Christ, within your small group and in
the congregation.
Put it into practice: plan a day when your group works with other small groups from the
congregation, for a day of general cleaning in the church. Take a walk around the building and the temple
as if they were visits, and make any adjustments that are necessary.

FOR MEDITATION
Together is better!

VERSE TO REMEMBER
For we are co-workers in God's service

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How do your gifts and skills complement others in your group?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 36

WORSHIPING WEEKLY
God said, 'You will work for six days, but the seventh day is a day of rest, it is a day of ...'
feast only in my honor, in which they will do no work...”Leviticus 23:3 (NIV)

There is a rhythm to live by.

Did you know that God commanded to take a day off every week? God considers it so
important that he included it in the 10 most important rules for life. The 10 Commandments
Taking a day off each week is in fourth place, followed by not killing, not committing adultery, and
do not steal. This topic is that important to God.

The Bible calls it 'The Sabbath,' a whole day set apart for rest and for the
group worship. It is not a day to fill it with things, nor to finish pending tasks. No
It's a day to plan other gatherings. It's for rest and worship in congregation and not
It is optional. If you are not taking the day of rest, you are disobeying one of the 10.
Commandments every week.

Why is the weekly Sabbath so important? Jesus explained, 'And He said to them: The day of
The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27, LBLA). Jesus
I knew that two of your needs that are constant every week are rest and the
worshiping with other believers. It is part of the rhythm of life that God planned.

But with today's hectic lifestyle, Saturdays and Sundays are often more
busier than the rest of the days of the week. We placed all possible activities for the
weekends that when Monday arrives we have neither rested nor worshiped.

For many, worshiping with another Christian is the last thing to do, something they only do when
is it convenient or does it interfere with other plans. Others say: 'I love it when I am in the
outdoors, in nature, camping or skiing" But that is not the kind of worship that God
send once a week. It must be worship together with other believers; God
He wishes for us to meet with the rest of his children to praise him together. When he
we do, He meets with us.

Jesus said: 'For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.'
(Matthew 18:20, NIV).

In congregational worship, we worship in a way that we cannot worship while being alone.
solos.
As we sing and celebrate together, we pray and confess together, we share and
we meditate together, we make offerings and we commit together, our faith is reaffirmed,
our hope is strengthened and our love is renewed. This is only possible in
community.

This week we will see ways in which we can deepen our worship together,
but let me challenge you today to take God's command seriously. If you tend to be addicted to
you work and do not rest as you should, or if your commitment to weekly worship is casual,
based on convenience rather than commitment, you need to set a day of rest in your
schedule. Memorize today's verse to help you remember the rhythm of a balanced life and
healthy. And this weekend sit with your small group on Celebration Sunday.
God said: "Let us not stop gathering, as some do. On the contrary, let us encourage each other more and more as we approach the Day."
continue trusting in God, and even more so when we can see that the day when the Lord is approaching
will judge the whole world.” (Hebrews 10:25, LBLA).

FOR MEDITATION
The Sabbath is a time of 'Be still, and know that I am God.'

VERSE TO REMEMBER
You will work for six days, but the seventh day is a day of rest, it is a day of celebration.
only in my honor." Leviticus 23:3, (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What do you need to improve to keep your priorities and fees in line with the pace of
God?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 37

GETTING READY FOR WORSHIP

And he did evil because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.

When we worship with an unprepared heart, we sin.

God does not expect our worship to be perfect, but He does expect it to be focused, and that
each of us arrives at the service with a prepared heart and an orderly mind. In this
group offering to God, we must enter His presence – the presence of a Holy Being, the One and Only
True God with thanksgiving (Psalms 95:2).

Our group worship is truly an extension of our daily walk with God,
where our attitudes and actions are what worship our creator (Romans 12).
Our love for our neighbor is another way of worshiping, which becomes a critical element.
that you may with one mind and one voice glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
15:6, LBLA). If we fail to apply the lessons of 'one another' that we have been studying
In the last six weeks, we could hinder the ability of our congregation to
praise God with one voice.

We must cleanse ourselves of everything that clouds our friendship with God. The psalmist said: "Who
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those with clean hands.
your pure heart, the one that does not worship vain idols nor swears by false gods” (Psalms 24:3-4, NVI).
Our hands and hearts have been made pure through the death and resurrection of
our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is only through Him that our worship is acceptable to
God. "Therefore, let us continually offer through Him, a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of lips that confess his name” Hebrews 13:15 (LBLA).

Preparing for worship means slowing down a bit, stepping out of our self-absorption.
and start to meditate on what God has done for us. This fills our hearts
with gratitude that we can express it through praise: 'I wish with all my soul to be in the
courtyards of your temple; I can't wait to get to them! You are the God of life; that's why I sing to you
joyful with all the strength of my heart." (Psalms 84:2, TLA).

The lack of harmony in the congregation can overshadow corporate worship. Jesus took in
our consideration of each other as something critical, she told us that we should stop
to adore, and to fix things with anyone who had problems with us. It's only after
to repair our relationships that we must return to worship: "Therefore, if you bring to the altar of the temple
a gift for God, and there you remember that someone is angry with you, leave the gift
in front of the altar, go immediately to reconcile with that person, and after that return to
present your offering to God" (Matthew 5:23-24, TLA).

How quickly broken relationships within the congregation are restored, if everyone
we would agree not to have services every weekend until we are all well
with everyone!

Once we have examined our hearts, we prepare to worship together as a group.

telling God these words when we enter the sanctuary for the service:
 • I come to focus on you, God, and on nothing else. Help me clear my mind and to
to adore you with an undivided heart. I wish to come with all my heart into your presence (Psalms
86:11).

• I come to give to you, Lord, not to receive. I wish to seek your face and not your hand. "I have no
another agenda but to minister to you my Lord" (Psalms 41:13).NOTE

• I come to offer my praises and to use my heart, my voice, and my hands to worship you.
I choose to focus on your kindness and mercy, and not on human mistakes or
methodological. I choose not to criticize my brothers and sisters, who also come to give
glory to your name.

God's invitation to come to Him in worship is an immeasurable privilege. May we never

we take it lightly.

FOR MEDITATION
When we worship with a heart unprepared, we sin.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy place? Only he who...
clean hands and a pure heart, he who does not worship vain idols nor swears by false gods” Psalms
24:3-4 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What can you do to prepare for congregational worship this weekend?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 38

PRAYING TOGETHER

"All of them were constantly devoting themselves to prayer..." Acts 1:14 (Latin American)

God wanted our prayer to be a priority, not a postscript.

In many churches and small groups, prayer is like singing the national anthem in a
sports event: We wouldn't think of starting without him, but it is of little importance for
the main event. The early Christians 'They were a very close-knit group, and they always prayed
together" (Acts 1:14, LBLA). The Bible says that we must dedicate ourselves to prayer, "Watching
in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2, KJV).

The prayer invites the presence and power of God into our circumstances and in our life.
group. Most of us know that this is true, yet when it comes to carrying it out
In practice, prayer is marginalized. Many Christians live with feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
due to the poverty of his life in prayer.

But let's be honest, being faithful to prayer and learning to pray together is not easy. It is
interesting that the only moment the disciples asked Jesus to teach them something
It was when they said: 'Lord, teach us to pray' (Luke 11:1, NIV).

Here are four practical suggestions that will energize prayer in your small group:

First, make prayer a priority in your small group. In Acts chapter 4, when the
Apostles were unjustly arrested, put in prison, and threatened, did not organize a
protest, they did not start a campaign of sending letters by mail, they did not use their
political skills; in return, they called for a prayer meeting. Soon the place where they
the congregation literally trembled with the power of God.

Stop for a moment and consider the fact that the God of the universe wants to hear from you and your
small group.
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us?
our God always when we invoke Him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7, LBLA). The Bible also says that
we can confidently enter His presence knowing that He is the good Father who delights
in meeting the needs of their children. "So, when we have any needs,
Let us confidently approach the throne of God. He will help us, because He is good and loves us.
(Hebrews 4:16, LBLA).

Think about what could happen if your group made prayer a priority? This could be a
Good discussion question for your group. Also, how can you help your group expand?
your view of prayer?

Second, have everyone participate in the group prayer. There is great power in praying for each other.
others, but also in praying with one another. If your group is like many, there are surely two or three
people who feel very comfortable praying aloud. So it won't be long before
it is quietly expected that these members of the group will be the ones who pray.

If your group is really going to engage in group prayer, it is important to have everyone.
involved in this.
If you are someone who does not feel comfortable praying in a group, here are some steps to follow:

• Start with something small: Your first step might not be to end the meeting with a prayer.
typical. Your first step would be to pray with a single and simple phrase.
• Be yourself. You don't need to use a special voice or certain words. Just talk to God.
As if you were talking to a good friend. There is no 'right way' to pray.
• Focus on the Lord, and not on others. After all, you are praying to God. He cares.
import your heart, not the eloquence of your words.

Third, share your true needs with the prayer group. This is one of the
great advantages of praying in a small group. In a weekend worship service or meeting
with people we do not know, it is unlikely that we will share our
deeper needs to pray. However, when we are in a more intimate circle of
friends who love us, we are more open to sharing our true needs.
Only when we share, our group will be able to pray specifically, helping us to see the
specific answer from God.

Fourth, learning to pray 'in the moment'. When someone shares a need, a crisis, or
Any reason to praise God, take the habit of stopping in that moment and praying there.
The tears of some people are almost always God's invitation for you to
the group stops and prays. Sometimes the most important thing they can do as a group is
gather affectionately around the person in need and pray for him or her.

Praying together is one of the great privileges we have as members of the Community of
Christ. Let us be people who fully take advantage of this privilege.

FOR MEDITATION
As you pray together as a group, your faith will be strengthened and you will see the power of God manifest.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
"All of them were constantly united in prayer..." Acts 1:14 (Latin American)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How high is the priority of prayer in the life of your group?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 39

OFFERING TOGETHER

That every Sunday, each of you must set aside and save some money, according to what
has won.
In this way, they will not have to collect it when I go to see them." 1 Corinthians 16:2, (TLA)

Giving back to God is the heart of worship.

You would be surprised to learn that Jesus taught more about money and possessions than what
taught about heaven or hell. The word 'give' is used more than 1,500 times in the Bible,
more than the words faith, hope, love, and prayer. But why? obviously, God does not
He needs our money. He is not poor, but God does want us to be like
He, and that will only happen if we learn to be generous. God is a giver, the greatest giver in
the universe. Everything you have is a gift from God. (1 Chronicles 29:14)!

In various churches, giving offerings is the lowest point of the service. It is ignored, tolerated or
openly resentful to many. But the Bible teaches that God wants our giving to be
a deeply significant expression of worship in three dimensions: Past, present and
future.

First, my offering to God for what has passed. "Thanking and Giving" go hand in hand. When we offer to
God, we express our appreciation to Him for all that He has blessed us with. We are saying,
God, we are grateful for everything you have done in our lives and we love you.
the reason why you should not give under pressure. God wants your offering to be out of gratitude.
The Bible says: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly
not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV)

Later verses say, 'You be enriched in every way so that in every...

occasion may be generous, and so that through us your generosity
result in thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:11, NIV)

Secondly, my offering and my priorities in the present. 'You shall undoubtedly tithe all the
product of the grain that your field produces each year. And you shall eat before the Lord your God in the
place that he chooses to put his name there, the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil,
and the firstfruits of your herds and of your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God
every day" (Deuteronomy 14:22-23, RV). If you want to know what someone truly values
person, just look at their calendar and agenda. The way people spend their time and
money reveals what is most important to them. It is one thing to claim that we love God, but
the Bible says that our offering tests the sincerity of our love (2 Corinthians 8:8). When
we give the first part of our income to God, the first day of the week, it is evident that
God holds the first place in our hearts. Jesus says: "For where your treasure is,
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV).

Third, my offering expresses my faith in God for the future. God sees my offering as a test of
In Malachi 3:10 (NIV) He says, "Bring the whole tithe to the storehouse, and thus
There will be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I do not open the
the gates of heaven and pour out blessings upon you until there is abundance.” God us
challenges by saying to trust in his promise to take care of us. Will you trust me? Always
I have been surprised that many people are eager to trust in God for their salvation.
eternal, but they do not trust Him enough to tithe.

In today's verse, Paul provides three characteristics about giving:

• It has to be weekly: 'Every Sunday...' God wants our offering to be

systematic, that we do not give for the sake of giving. Why Sunday? Giving is an act of worship,
it must be given instead of worship, 'when you worship'!

• It must be planned: 'Each of you should set aside and save something from
money..."God does not want our offering to be hasty, unthoughtful, or impulsive. He
he/she wants us to reflect when we give.

• It has to be proportional: 'According to what one has earned.' Tithing is giving 10% of what
God has helped you to win. God does not look at the amount you give but at the attitude with which you do.
that.

When you are ready and after the 40 days of Community of the Celebration weekend,
consider giving an offering of thanksgiving to God for all that He has done in your life, in
your small group and at your church during these six weeks.

FOR MEDITATION
Giving back to God is the heart of worship.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What does my offering say about the direction and condition of my heart?
40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

DAY 40

CELEBRATING TOGETHER

Encourage one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Sing and praise the Lord with all your heart." Ephesians 5:19 (NIV).

Worship is a festival, not a funeral!

If anyone on earth has the right to celebrate, it is we who have given our
lives to Christ and we have been accepted into the Family of God! Just think about everything that God has
made by us!
By trusting in Christ, He has us:
• Given a new life of purpose and meaning!
• Forgiven for every sin, mistake, and failure!
• Unconditionally loved and accepted!
• Provided with a spiritual family for our support!
• Released from worry because God is in control!
• Offered the power of God to overcome wounds, habits, and harms!
• Given the Word of God with the principles for a successful life!
• Freed from shame, remorse, and resentments!
• It is assured that Satan cannot take our salvation!
• Consoled knowing that 'God does all things for our good'!
• Trained to face each day with hope and with an optimistic faith!
• Equipped with spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to be used!
• Protected with all the promises of God!
• Provided with everything we need!
• Guaranteed eternal life in heaven!

If all these benefits don't encourage you to celebrate, you need to take your pulse!
It is ironic that in our culture it is acceptable to get emotional about anything except
For God’s sake. You can go to sports events and shout with all your might, you can jump from above.
down, hug, cry, raise your hands and people will smile with approval and say that
you are a 'fan'. But if you show any joy, emotion or enthusiasm in worship, then
they will call you a "fanatic." 2 Samuel 6:5 (NIV) tells us "David and all the people of Israel were dancing
before the Lord with great enthusiasm and they sang to the sound of harps, lyres, tambourines, sistra and
cymbals." This must have been fun and noisy! But Mical, David's wife, was more
concerned for her dignity than for the celebration, and responded to her husband for his adoration
enthusiast (2 Samuel 6:16-20). Sadly, Michal's attitude still deprives many churches of
enjoy worship and fellowship as a community of believers.
God loves to hear his children sing his praises. Psalm 150:6 (NIV) says "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” In Psalms 149:1 (NIV) it tells us the
type of song to sing:
Sing to the Lord a new song, praise Him in the assembly of the faithful." Why a new
song?, because God wants to do something fresh in our lives.
The Bible is full of celebrations, parties, festivities, and holidays, because they are ways
important to mark progress in our lives. There is great power in remembering dates. But
we are often so busy moving on to our next activity or task that
We did not stop and celebrated what we have achieved.
As we conclude our 40 Days of Community this weekend, prepare your heart and come to the
church waiting to celebrate with others. This is your final task: Make a list in your diary or planner of
all the good things you have seen that God has done during these 6 weeks in your life, in
your family, in your small group or with others during the Celebration this weekend.
Revelation 5:11-13 tells us that there will be a great celebration in heaven! Let's begin to
to practice our celebration skills today, so that our hearts are
ready for heaven! The time we spend singing praises here on earth will only open the
appetite for the day when the Song will never end.

FOR MEDITATION
Every time I celebrate God with my brothers, I am practicing for heaven.

VERSE TO REMEMBER
And my soul shall rejoice in the LORD; it shall be glad in His salvation." Psalm 35:6 (LBLA)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER
When you worship, are you more concerned about what others think or what God thinks?