August 6, 2021

Relationship Matters

Ken Nash | Read Ephesians 4:25-32 , Read Ephesians 5:1-2

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

August 2–8, 2021

Scripture Overview

David’s family was a mess. Among his children there was rape, murder, and a plot to overthrow him by his son Absalom. Violence followed, and Second Samuel tells the story of Absalom’s death. Even though Absalom had betrayed him, David still loved his son with a parent’s never-ending love—the kind of love that God demonstrates perfectly for us, as David celebrates in Psalm 34. The author of Ephesians warns against acting out of anger, wrath, and malice (the very things that tore apart David’s family). We should instead forgive, as God in Christ has forgiven us. In John, Jesus restates that he is the path to God because he teaches God’s truth. Jesus will give his own life, then raise up those who believe in him.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33. What helps you to “deal gently” with others? What makes it challenging at times?
Read Psalm 34:1-8. When have you been able to “taste and see” God’s goodness?
Read Ephesians 4:25–5:2. How do your words and actions reflect what you profess to believe about Christ?
Read John 6:35, 41-51. God comes to us in unexpected ways. Is there someone you have overlooked or dismissed as a servant of God? How can you work to see people as God sees them?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Did you know that, pound for pound, the jaw is the strongest muscle in the entire body? Nevertheless, our reading makes the case that in a battle of strength—jaw versus tongue—the tongue wins every time. While the jaw is physically strong, the tongue has the ability to inflame an environment...

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Thank you, Lord, for the gift of communication, the expression of thoughts and ideas to commune with you and with others. Help us to use care as we speak life today. Amen.

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