Friday October 27, 2023

Today is Friday, October 27 and we are learning what the Bible says about bearing with others.

As I begin this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I quiet my mind, slow my breath and open my heart to the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for the community of faithful followers I have found in my church home. I am grateful for valuable relationships that strengthen my steps and nourish my faith. Show me what it means to live life together and bear with one another in love. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s loving care and praise him with the words of Psalm 144.

LORD, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:3-4

Pause and Pray

John Wesley, the eighteenth century founder of Methodism, encouraged us to “watch over one another in love.” The faith community grows strong together in Christ and learns to walk like Christ. Wesley set the foundation for Methodists for formation in faith through the support and accountability of group life. As iron sharpens iron, early Methodists strengthened one another and urged one another on toward the destination of holiness in this lifetime. In the same way Paul teaches us in his letter to the Ephesians to walk with other believers and walk worthy of the life to which we have been called.

I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NRSV)

The church is the place to connect with other believers and progress on my journey toward holiness of heart and life. This connection happens in community – in small groups, Bible studies, fellowship opportunities, intimate friendships and serving opportunities. I consider where I am connected in the life of my church and how it is providing me support, encouragement, and accountability. How are my faith friends helping me walk worthy of the life to which I am called – the Christian life?

Ask: Am I walking the Christian life alone or with others? Who are the people that are helping me walk well and who am I helping?

Pause and Pray

Blessed and Holy Lord, show me what it means to walk in a manner worthy of someone bearing the name of Christ. Teach me to live a life that is humble, gentle, peaceful and patient. Help me foster unity with others and not division. You have instructed me to bear with others in love. Show me what that means in my particular community of faith. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NRSV)

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I ponder the meaning of this scripture and how it applies to my life today, I listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In my current circumstances and recent interactions have I been humble or proud, gentle or harsh, patient or impatient? I consider when I have worked for unity and when I have fostered division. I want to learn what it means to bear with one another in love, especially with my friends in the faith. Sometimes that is an easy task and other times it is difficult. I recall the many times when others have borne with me, my failures and my shortcomings. I pause to consider how I may need to patiently bear with someone else.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, take my hand and guide me. Like a child learning to take his or her first steps, I am learning to walk in the faith. Put faithful mature believers in my life so I can learn and grow. Put younger believers in my life and use me to teach them, encourage them and give them strength. Teach me to walk in the way that leads to life. Amen.

Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

I leave this time of prayer bearing the easy gentle burden of my Savior, I go to lighten the burdens of others and share his love.

Amen