Because of that, the study below will be my last "regular" Bite Size study. I may still publish from time to time, but without a set schedule.
If any of you are not subscribers on Bible Love Notes, I encourage you to sign up for a subscription and receive a 1-minute devotion each weekday. (Sign up HERE).
If that sounds like more than you want, just remember that you can read only those you want to read and they only take a minute!
Also, I will be using extensive footnotes on some Bible Love Notes devotions that can serve as a short Bible study, if you like.
You can also access 300 past studies on Bite Size through these archives: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Thanks and God bless you. ~ Gail
A relative recently told me I'd offended her. I sincerely asked forgiveness. Afterward, I thought of the many ways that situation could have gone wrong if Biblical principles weren’t followed.
It’s appropriate to tell someone they’ve offended us (Matthew 18:15) with these cautions:
1. Are we being petty? Some things should be overlooked. Proverbs 19:11
2. Have we first tried to see things from their perspective? Matthew 7:1-4; Philippians 2:3-4
3. Are we interested in helping them or just criticizing them? Romans 12:9
4. Are we prepared to forgive them as Jesus forgives us (Ephesians 4:32)? It's ungodly to ignore an apology or delay our response (Proverbs 3:27).
When we're the one apologizing, we should ask ourselves:
1. Are we apologizing or un-apologizing?
See Self-Defense, How to Say “I’m Sorry.”
2. Are we demanding or asking for forgiveness?
See He Apologized for an Affair.
Bible Study
Proverbs 19:11: A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.
Is the offense part of an ongoing problem or simply a one-time mistake? Does the person need some extra grace because they're going through a difficult time in their life?
2. What does it mean to forgive others as God forgives us?
Ephesians 4:29-32: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Colossians 3:13: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Mark 11:25: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
copyright 2017, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com
Thank you
ReplyDeleteI will miss your posts so much. I rarely comment, but have grown so much through your bible study. You always seem to hit topics I am struggling with. Don't stop all together.....
ReplyDeleteHi Martha,
DeleteI'm so glad you've enjoyed the studies. I was sad to have to stop doing them regularly too. God bless you.
All the time you have spent writing these BSBS (at least for me) is very much appreciated and i thank you for all the sacrifices you made to bring them to so many. I thank God for you and i pray you be refreshed by His perfect peace and presence as He guides you through your other callings. God Bless you
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Raquel for your kind encouragement and your prayer. I'm so glad the studies have been helpful.
DeleteGod bless you.
Gail
My husband and I appreciate the time, effort, and messages you've shared. God loves you, and so do we.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. That's such an encouragement.
DeleteGod bless you.