Inner Beauty Bible Study

CH 12: LOVE…HOPES

I felt that I had lost all hope when I was in the hospital for depression. All things looked bleak and dark. I couldn’t even read because I could not focus. I cried out to the Lord for help in this downward spiral. God prompted me to journal my feelings. As I lifted up my feelings to the Lord, I felt hope for the first time. I also began giving thanks for all the things the Lord provided me. I thanked God for the nurse who gave me medicine. I thanked God for the group sessions which was teaching me how to deal with the depression. Most of all, I thanked God for being a shining light in the darkness for me and giving me hope once again.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV).

MEMORY VERSE

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Hope…

Hope is “desire accompanied by expectation” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to cherish a desire with anticipation” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). “Hope is a factor in salvation…it finds its expression in endurance under trial, which is the effect of waiting for the coming of Christ” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

We all long for hope in the midst of the stressors of our everyday lives. The good news is that God gives us hope through His Son, Jesus Christ. We can turn to God when we feel overwhelmed and He will give us hope.

“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth” (Psalm 71:5, NIV).

Read Psalm 71:5. Who has been the psalmist’s hope?

What has God been since his youth?

We can have hope and confidence in God. When we place our hope in God, we will gain strength and faith to get us through whatever comes our way.

“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:114. What two things describe God in this psalm?

What has the psalmist put his hope in?

We can indeed place our hope in God’s Word. It will guide and direct our steps in our everyday lives. We can look to His Word for answers to our everyday questions and concerns.

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5, NIV).

Read Romans 5:5. What does not put us to shame?

What has been poured out into our hearts?

Through Whom has this been done?

The Holy Spirit has been given to us to guide us in the way we should go. The Holy Spirit reminds us of the Word which can be applied to our situation. We can have hope because the Holy Spirit is in us.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).

Read Hebrews 11:1. What is confidence in what we hope for?

What is what we do not see?

Faith gets us through as we cry out to God. Our faith is strengthened as we hope in the Lord to get us through to the other side. We can then praise God for strengthening our faith in the process.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Hope is something we can cling to as we turn to God for help. Hope develops our faith muscles. God also gives us hope through His Word as we pray to Him.

Name a time when you felt hopeless.

How did you feel?

How did you cry out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this strengthen your faith and give you peace?

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NIV). When we trust in God, we will indeed overflow with hope. Hopeless situations turn hopeful as we turn to God. We can praise God for getting us through the trials we face and get us through to the other side.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me hope to face whatever comes my way. I pray that You fill me with Your hope this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

There is no better or more blessed bondage than to be a prisoner of hope. Roy Z. Kemp

My only hope is that I shall be clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. M. Lloyd-Jones

Hope is a much greater stimulant of life than any happiness. F. Nietzche

Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment. Napoleon

Do not look to your hope, but to Christ, the source of your hope. C.H. Spurgeon

CH 11: LOVE…TRUSTS

By far, the most traumatic experience of the bipolar disorder was after my first manic episode. I did not know what had just happened to me. I also remembered every detail while I blacked out of much of the subsequent episodes. I remember shortly after that episode breaking down in tears as I cried out to God, God, I can’t trust myself! I realize now that God had me right where He desired me to be. However, at the time, I was shaken. In response to this plea, God prompted me to turn on the Christian radio station. Just as I did, these words from Al Denson touched my heart, I’m trusting You, I’m trusting You, I’m trusting You alone. As I repeated these words, I felt a glimmer of hope. I realized that I could trust God and that He would never let me down. I thanked God for always being there for me as I trusted in Him alone.

MEMORY VERSE

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Trust…

Trust is “faith; reliance” upon God (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to place confidence: depend…in God” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to have confidence, trust” in God (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

It can be difficult to trust others in today’s world. The good news is that we have God on our side. We can trust Him completely because He will never let us down.

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5, NIV).

Read Psalm 13:5. What did David trust in?

What did David’s heart rejoice in?

We can indeed trust in God’s unfailing love. God is love. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to save us through the cross. We can praise God for His unfailing love.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture…Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this” (Psalm 37:3, 5, NIV).

Read Psalm 37:3, 5. In addition to trusting God, what must we do?

What must we commit to the Lord?

How will He do this?

It takes trust to commit our way to the Lord. We must remember that God has the best in mind for us. The Lord will bless us as we trust in Him instead of man.

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods” (Psalm 40:4, NIV).

Read Psalm 40:4. Who is blessed?

What must we not look to?

What do the proud people do?

Pride is a snare to us that is easy to fall into. However, when we trust in the Lord and put Him first place in our lives, we will stay humble instead of relying upon our own strength and might.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3-4, NIV).

Read Isaiah 26:3-4. Who will God keep in perfect peace?

Why does He do this?

How is God described?

God indeed is our Rock. We are stable in our ways as we trust in Him. God is always there for us as we cry out to Him. God will never leave us nor forsake us.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

The world is full of tumult which can make it difficult for us to trust. However, we can always trust in God. God will be with us in the hills as well as the valleys.

Name a time when you had difficulty trusting God.

What was the trial you were in?

How did you cry out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did trust in God sustain you during the trial?

How did this trust in God bring you peace?

Trust will indeed bring us His peace that passes understanding. We may not understand what God is up to, but we can always trust in Him to get us through to the other side of the trial.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I place my trust in You as my Rock. You are my stability in the trials that I face. Thank You for always being there for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence. Augustine of Hippo

Trust Jesus, and you are saved. Trust self, and you are lost. C.H. Spurgeon

Obedience is the Child of Trust. John Climacus

There is no other method of living piously and justly, than that of depending upon God. John Calvin

CH 10: LOVE…PROTECTS

I will never forget the time when God lovingly protected me. It showed me the importance of how love protects. I was in the middle of my first manic episode. I believed that the rapture was coming and that I needed to save the lost. I hurried from person to person trying to save them. This ultimately led to my arrest as I tried to dissuade others from entering a payday loan place, saying it was “Satan’s workshop.”

I was ultimately in an emergency room where I continued on my frantic pace. I was let go and had nowhere to go. I called a friend and the couple came and picked me up. As they stopped for gas, I ran for it. I was in a rough part of town and did not know where I was. I cried out to God for help. As I looked ahead in a driveway, I saw a group of men who were outside. As I took a step in the driveway, I heard a loud, “NO!” in my spirit. I stopped immediately as I felt in my spirit to look down the street.

I saw a couple going out to a car where I felt in my spirit to go and ask them to take me back to the hospital. They agreed and this time when I went back to the hospital and called to my friends, I did not try to leave. I had come down from the mania enough to thank God for protecting me from harm and getting me back to the hospital safely.

MEMORY VERSE

“A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them” (Proverbs 14:3, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Protect…

To protect is “to shield from injury, danger, or loss; guard; defend” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction; guard” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

HIDDEN GEMS

God desires to protect His children. He desires to shield us from harm. We will still go through trials, but He promises to be with us through it all. As His love protects us, we can protect others in love.

“You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked” (Psalm 12:7, NIV).

Read Psalm 12:7. Who will the Lord keep safe?

Who will the Lord protects us from?

The Lord God will keep us safe. We just need to cry out for Him. We will still face trials and temptation. However, God will protect us as we pray for His loving, protecting presence.

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you” (Psalm 25:21, NIV).

Read Psalm 25:21. What two things will protect us?

Who is David’s hope in?

Sin will have consequences. We may walk straight into harm’s way if we do not pay attention to God’s presence. However, when we walk in integrity and uprightness, we will walk closely to God and His protection for our lives.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).

Read John 10:10. Who is the thief in this passage?

What three things does Satan desire to do?

What has Jesus come to provide?

Satan desires to wreak havoc in our lives. This can lead to anxiety and worry. Satan will steal our peace if we allow him. However, Jesus came so that we would have life to the full. Jesus will protect us when we cry out to Him.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me” (Psalm 40:11, NIV). God is faithful to protect us when we draw close to Him. God loves us unconditionally. He loves for His children to walk closely to Him.

Name a time when you were in harm’s way.

How did you feel?

How did you cry out to God for help?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did God protect you from harm?

How did this bring you peace instead of anxiety?

God desires to protect us and shower us with His peace that passes understanding. However, we must choose to follow closely with Him. We may still face harm, but God promises to be with us through it all.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for lovingly protecting me from harm. In times of trials, help me to always come to You for help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

CH 9: LOVE…REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH

I will never forget the first church I attended when I moved to Arizona. My pastor was a teacher of God’s Word. Having just turned back to God, I was learning the truth of His Word for the first time. My pastor was passionate about the truth of God’s Word and it was contagious. He indeed rejoiced with the truth. I learned a lot about the truth of God’s Word and how to apply it to my everyday life. Through his example, I learned to worship God in spirit and in truth. I thanked God for giving me this pastor to plant seeds of truth into my spirit.

MEMORY VERSE

“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God” (John 3:21, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Truth…

“The truth of God is indicative of His faithfulness in the fulfillment of His promises as exhibited in Christ” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

The truth is found in God’s Word. When we study God’s Word, we will be filled with His truth. We can then rejoice with the truth.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6, NIV).

Read John 14:6. How did Jesus describe Himself?

How does one come to the Father?

Jesus is indeed the way and the truth and the life. Jesus gave His life for us so that we can go to God through Him. This develops a relationship with Him based upon His truth.

“The Lord is near to all who call one him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, NIV).

Read Psalm 145:18. Who is the Lord near to Him?

How are we to call on Him?

Truth is vital in our relationship with God. God has promised to be near to those who call on Him in truth. The truth is found in God’s Word through Jesus Christ.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, NIV).

Read John 4:24. Who is spirit?

How should we worship God?

We must worship God is Spirit and in truth. God desires for us to accept His truth and give Him glory in our relationship with Him. God desires to be near to us as we worship Him.

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32, NIV).

Read John 8:31-32. Who is Jesus addressing in these passages?

What had the Jews done with Jesus?

What should we hold to?

What will we know?

What will set us free?

What great promises. We all desire to be set free. When we know the truth, the truth will indeed set us free. We can then be free to worship God and fellowship with Him.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

How do you view the truth?

How has God’s Word spoken to you in truth?

How has this affected your relationship with God?

When we hold to the teaching of truth found in God’s Word, we will grow in our Christian walk. We can praise God for being near to us as we fellowship with Him. We can worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your truth that sets me free. Thank You for being near to those who have Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Truth is the greatest gift of life and love is the exercise of that truth. Author unknown

Where truth is, there is God. Miguel de Cervantes

Whoever lives true life, will love true love. Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. Martin Luther King Jr.

Truth is the most valuable thing we have – so let us economize it. Mark Twain

CH 8: LOVE…KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS

But God, he hurt me! I said in response to God asking me to forgive the man who sexually abused me. I thought that I had heard wrong from God. However, God persisted. I realized that I had kept a list of all the things that he did not only to me but to other members of my family through physical and sexual abuse. God asked me to give the list to Him. As I obeyed, I felt a load lifted. I thanked God for showing me the importance of forgiveness.

MEMORY VERSE

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Forgive…

Forgive is “to give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; pardon” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to cease to feel resentment against” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to let loose from…to release” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

People in the world today are filled with anger and unforgiveness. They want to get people back for what others have done to them. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. While people in the world keep tabs on what others have done, we are to forgive others and keep no record of wrong.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18, NIV).

Read Leviticus 19:18. What are we not to seek?

What are we not to bear?

How are we to love our neighbor?

It can be tempting to seek revenge against someone that has hurt us. However, we must not bear grudges or seek to get revenge. Revenge and unforgiveness are like a poison to our souls.

“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22, NIV).

Read Proverbs 20:22. What are we not to say?

What are we to do for the Lord?

What will the Lord do?

Vengeance is in the Lord’s hand. We must surrender our inclination to get even and leave it in the hands of God. When we do, we will experience His peace that passes understanding.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV).

Read Ephesians 4:31-32. What things are we to get rid of?

What are we to be to one another?

What are we to do to each other?

Just as God has forgiven us, we are called to forgive each other. Bitterness, rage and anger are poisonous and will lead us to harm. We can find peace when we surrender the wrongs others have done to us to God.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

We are called to keep no record of wrongs. We are to forgive promptly. When we do, we will find peace.

Name a time when someone hurt you deeply.

How did you respond?

Did you forgive promptly?

If not, how did you feel?

How did the Lord lead you to forgive?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this lead to peace?

Many times, we are hurt deeply by others. It can be tempting to hold onto unforgiveness because we want to pay them back. However, this will only hurt us. When we forgive, we are set free from bitterness and anger.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to not keep any record of the wrongs others have done against me. Help me to forgive promptly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Forgiveness is all-powerful. Forgiveness heals all ills. Catherine Ponder

Little men cannot forgive. Author unknown

He who forgives ends the quarrel. Author unknown

A person’s ability to forgive is in proportion to the greatness of his soul. Author unknown

We pardon in the degree that we love. La Rochefoucauld

CH 7: LOVE IS…NOT EASILY ANGERED

I learned at a young age that anger was bad. I remember cowering in fear as my brother unleashed his anger during alcoholic tirades. However, I will never forget when anger rose up within me at just the age of 12. That was when my brother committed suicide at the age of 21. I did not want to be angry at my brother because I loved him. Instead, I expressed my anger toward God and shut Him out of my life. In addition, I stuffed my anger deep within me. This led to several depressions during my teenage years. I also believe it contributed to the fibromyalgia I experienced at the beginning of graduate school. I finally reached rock bottom and cried out to God for help. He forgave me and gave me the strength to face the anger I had toward my brother. When I did, I experienced true freedom from the effects of anger.

MEMORY VERSE

“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Anger…

Anger is “a feeling of displeasure…usually showing itself in a desire to fight back at the supposed cause of this feeling” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “an intense emotional state induced by displeasure; rage” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

HIDDEN GEMS

Anger is prevalent in today’s society. Divisions are among us as Americans. As Christians, we must be on guard to not be swept up in anger. This harms ourselves and those around us.

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it only leads to evil” (Psalm 37:8, NIV).

Read Psalm 37:8. What are we to refrain from?

What are we to turn from?

What are we not to do?

What does this lead to?

Anger and wrath lead to evil. God gave us the emotion of anger but He desires for us to deal with it instead of lashing out at others. When we lash out in anger, we hurt both ourselves and the others around us, usually our loved ones.

“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29, NIV).

Read Proverbs 14:29. Who has great understanding?

Who displays folly?

As Christians, we are called to be patient with one another. This will indeed lead to great understanding. When we have a quick temper, it leads to hurt and harm.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV).

Read Proverbs 15:1. What turns away wrath?

What stirs up anger?

When others are angry, we can speak peaceably instead of being sucked into the wrath. The world is full of angry people. As Christians, we can show them the better way by speaking peace instead of harm.

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9, NIV).

Read Ecclesiastes 7:9. What must we not be in our spirits?

Where does anger reside?

We can be easily provoked by an angry person. However, we can make up our minds to not be provoked. We can speak peace and love.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Anger can rear its ugly head in all of our lives. God desires for us to deal with it with His help. We must remember to not stuff the anger or lash out in anger. When we do this, it is destructive to our walk with God.

Name a time when you dealt with an angry person.

How did you react?

How did God help you?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did you speak peace and love to the person?

How did they react?

When we approach people in peace, the angry person may not know what to do. However, peace can diffuse the anger. When we speak peaceably, God will help us to deal with the angry person.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me to deal with my anger constructively. Help me to speak words of peace and love when we approach an angry person. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

The trouble with letting off steam is that it only gets you into more hot water. Author unknown

Anger is one letter short of danger. Author unknown

Anger is never without a reason but seldom a good one. Benjamin Franklin

Just as the winds whip up the sea, so does anger stir confusion in the mind. John Climacus

An angry man is full of poison. Confucius

CH 6: LOVE IS…NOT SELF-SEEKING

Look out for yourself because no one else will. This seemed to fill my thoughts in my 20’s. I had been hurt so deeply as a child that I vowed that no one else would hurt me again. However, this led to a selfish and lonely life. I had looked out for myself but placed walls around me in protection. When I returned to God, I cried out to Him for help. Little by little, He chipped away at my protective fences surrounding me. I realized that being a Christian meant being open to others and helping them. Most importantly, I opened my heart and spirit to God to come and fill me with His Spirit. When I did, I experienced joy and His peace that passes all understanding.

MEMORY VERSE

“But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger” (Romans 2:8, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Self-seeking…

A self-seeker is “a person who seeks only or mainly to further his or her own interests” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). Self-seeking is “the act or practice of selfishly advancing one’s own ends” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

HIDDEN GEMS

The world is full of people looking out for me, myself, and I. They look out for “#1.” However, when they do this, they are miserable. As Christians, we will find fulfillment when we look to others instead of ourselves.

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17, NIV).

Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. What should we regard no one from?

What has gone?

What has come as we are in Christ?

The old has gone, the new has come. What comforting words about us as Christians. We start with a clean slate. We are in the world but not of the world. In this way, we do not see others from a worldly point of view.

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Mark 12:31, NIV).

Read Mark 12:31. Who are we to love?

How are we to love our neighbor?

The first command that Jesus gave is to love God with all we have. The second command was the one above. We must learn to love ourselves in a balanced way in order to love others. I had to learn this the hard way. I was filled with self-hatred. God helped me to see that I could not give away what I did not have. I then accepted God’s love for me and allowed love to flow through me to others.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31, NIV).

Read Luke 6:31. How are we to do to others?

Early in my Christian walk, I misunderstood this command from Jesus. I thought that if I gave gifts that I liked to others, I was fulfilling this command. It took a while, but I realized that I must get to know others and give to them in love what fit them. If we desire love, then we must give love. If we desire peace, then we must give peace.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3, NIV).

Read Romans 12:3. What are we not to think of ourselves?

How are we to think of ourselves?

In accordance with what?

Who has distributed this faith?

In the world, people are puffed up with pride. They think they are better than others. However, as Christians, we are not to be filled with pride but to think of ourselves with sober judgment.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

The self can rear its ugly head in all of our lives. We can be fearful of not getting our own way. This is how the world thinks. They are always looking after themselves. When we look out for others, we will be rewarded by God.

Name a time when you turned inward toward self.

How did you feel?

Did this lead to pride?

How did you see others?

How did God convict you?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did you experience His peace?

When we have been hurt by others, it can be difficult not to be turned inward as a protective mechanism. However, this causes more pain and hardship. When we allow God’s love to flow through us, we will be blessed.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me. Help me not to be self-seeking. Help me to look to others and see ways to bless them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. Francis of Assisi

All the graces of a Christian spring from the death of self. Madame Guyon

A self-denial that is truly supernatural must aspire to offer God what we have renounced ourselves. Thomas Merton

He that falls in love with himself, will have no rivals. Benjamin Franklin

No indulgence of passion destroys the spiritual nature so much as respectable selfishness. George Macdonald

CH 5: LOVE…DOES NOT DISHONOR OTHERS

Honor the elderly. This was a rule told to me by my parents. I found this easy to do, especially with my Grandma Miller. I looked up to her and wanted what she had. I didn’t know it at the time but she was planting words of wisdom into me. All that I knew is that I wanted to be just like her. It wasn’t until I was an adult until I discovered the priceless gems of wisdom she had planted into me. I honored and adored her. I thanked God for placing her in my life. When she passed away, God had placed another elderly lady in my life to continue planting words of wisdom. I am so grateful that my parents took the time to plant those words of honoring the elderly into me.

MEMORY VERSE

“Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors” (2 Corinthians 6:8, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Honor…

Honor is “high regard or great respect given, received, or enjoyed” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to regard or treat with…respect” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “the preciousness of Christ unto believers…the honor and inestimable value of Christ as appropriated by believers” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

The world is full of people dishonoring others. They can fill the news with lies in order to bring another person down. However, as Christians, we have a better way. God calls us to lift up and honor others.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10, NIV).

Read Romans 12:10. How are we to be devoted to one another?

How are we to honor one another?

We are called to love and honor others above ourselves. When we do this, we will feel fulfilled because this is what God calls us to do. We will experience love for each other as we honor each other.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” (Romans 12:16, NIV).

Read Romans 12:16. How are we to live with one another?

What are we not to be?

Who are we to associate with?

We must not think that we are better than others. This can be due to our own security. However, when we know who we are in Christ, we will feel fulfilled to associate with others of low position.

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor”

(1 Peter 2:17, NIV).

Read 1 Peter 2:17. What are we to show to everyone?

Who are we to love?

Who are we to fear?

When we show respect to everyone, we will be doing what God desires of us. We are called to fear God but that does not mean being afraid of Him. It means to hold Him up in the awe and reverence only He deserves.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Dishonor is rampant in today’s society. However, as Christians, we are called to a better way. We are to honor others above ourselves.

Name a time when you were tempted to dishonor another person.

How did God convict you?

How did you react?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

What did you do to show honor to the other person?

How did this bring you peace?

We will have His peace that passes understanding when we honor others. We must go against the grain of our culture who dishonors others. We can lift another up when they are in need. In this way, we will show honor to another person.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to honor others above myself. Help me to always honor You and put You in first place in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

A godly mind prizes honor above worldly good. Rembrandt

Just as anyone who climbs a rotten ladder risks his life, so are honors and power a danger for humility. John Climacus

CH 4: LOVE…DOES NOT BOAST NOR PROUD

“I received an A on my test!” I proudly proclaimed to my parents as a child. I clung to my schoolwork as a means of acceptance. School provided a safe haven for me as a child due to the turmoil at home. When I would tell my parents about my good grades, they would shower me with praise. I grew to depend upon this praise.

As I grew older, God helped me to see that pride was interfering with my ability to love others with the love of Christ. Pride was rooted in my insecurity. Pride turned off people I would boast to about my accomplishments. When God helped me realize this, I studied humility in order to not be boastful and proud. As I did, I considered the needs of others first and showered them with genuine Christian love.

MEMORY VERSE

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble’” (James 4:6, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Boast…

To boast is “to talk proudly about deeds, abilities…in a manner showing too much pride and satisfaction; brag” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to puff oneself up in speech” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). “It indicates any kind of haughty speech which stirs up strife or provokes others” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

Pride…

Pride is “an unduly high opinion of oneself; exaggerated self-esteem; conceit” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “inordinate self-esteem” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “puffed up…high-minded” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Pride can rear its ugly head in all our lives. It can be tempting to boast of our accomplishments. God helps us see that we must work for an audience of one instead of looking to others for affirmation and praise.

“Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar” (Psalm 138:6, NIV).

Read Psalm 138:6. What is the Lord?

Who does He look kindly on?

Who does He see from afar?

God looks kindly on the lowly and humble. Humility is a trait we must all study and desire to exhibit in our lives. When we do so, we will be favored by God.

“Where pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2, NIV).

Read Proverbs 11:2. What happens when pride comes?

What comes with humility?

God freely gives wisdom to the humble. We can rely upon our own intelligence and fall flat on our faces. God desires to give us wisdom to face whatever comes our way. In this way, God will get the glory.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” (Romans 12:16, NIV).

Read Romans 12:16. What are we to do with one another?

What are we not to be?

What must we be willing to do?

When a person is proud, he thinks he is better than everyone else. He does not want to associate with those he deems lower than himself. However, when we do this, it is because of our insecurity. We can be secure in Christ and be humble and help others.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Name a time when you accomplished something great.

How did you feel?

Did you feel pride?

How did others react?

How did God humble you if you felt pride?

How did this free you to be who God made you to be?

It can be tempting to boast of our accomplishments. I know I have struggled with this in my life. However, God desires for us to look to Him for approval instead of sounding the trumpet to brag and draw attention to ourselves.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, please keep me humble. I desire to give you all the glory and honor and praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Pride causes us to use our gifts as though they came from ourselves, not benefits received from God, and to usurp our benefactor’s glory. Bernard of Clairvaux

You can have no greater sign of a confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough. William Law

Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes. John Ruskin

Pride is utter poverty of soul disguised as riches. John Climacus

Those who wish to be praised in themselves are proud. Augustine of Hippo

CH 3: LOVE IS…NOT ENVIOUS

I wish I could sing like her. I wish…I wish…I wish. These wishes were directed to those who were further along in their walk and their gifts were on display as they gave glory to God. I felt like I had no gifts. Instead of enjoying the gifts of others, I was filled with envy and jealousy. This affected my walk with God. It was only when I repented of this envy and jealousy that God began to make clear my gifts that I possessed. I moved from jealousy and envy to peace and fulfillment. I praised God for granting me gifts to glorify His name.

MEMORY VERSE

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Envy…

Envy is “a feeling of discontent and ill will because of another’s advantages, possessions” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Envy is “the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

We can all succumb to comparing ourselves with others. This is especially tempting on social media. Someone else may have something we desire. This will lead to envy and jealousy. As Christians, we must compare ourselves only with one Man – Jesus Christ.

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:17-18, NIV).

Read Proverbs 23:17-18. What should we not let our hearts be?

What should we be zealous for?

What is there for us when we do so?

What will not be cut off?

When we fear the Lord, there will be no place for envy and jealousy. We will look to God alone. When we stop comparing ourselves with others and look to God, He will show us our gifts and talents He has blessed us with for His glory.

“For they loved human praise more than praise from God” (John 12:43, NIV).

Read John 12:43. What did the Pharisees love?

What was this more than?

The Pharisees cared more about their appearance and pleasing man. They did not have devotion to God as their source. They looked to others for their praise and adoration.

“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (Galatians 5:26, NIV).

Read Galatians 5:26. What should we not become?

What will this provoke?

Pride and conceit are due to insecurity. It looks inward at what we do not have. We then compare ourselves with others and envy what they have that we do not have.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Envy and jealousy can wreak havoc on a Christian’s life. Envy keeps us distant from God. However, we can turn back to God as our focus instead of comparing ourselves with others.

Name a time when you were envious of another person.

What did they have that you desired?

How did God convict you?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this draw you closer to God?

Turning to God is to fear Him. When we fear God, we will hold Him up in the awe and reverence He deserves instead of being envious of others.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to not be envious of others. I look to You for my security and love. I fear You and hold You up in adoration and praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope. Josh Billings

They that envy others are their inferiors. Author unknown

There is not a passion so strongly rooted in the human heart as envy. R.B. Sheridan

In jealousy there is more self-love than love. La Rochefoucald

O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. William Shakespeare