DAY 18
SUPPORT EACH OTHER
“Let us be always seeking the ways which lead to peace and the ways in which we can support one another.” Romans 14:19 (NJB)
Can you remember playing hide-and-seek when you were a child? If you were the “hider,” you felt totally nervous when you heard “its” footsteps drawing closer and closer. If you were the “seeker,” you’d search and search with great anticipation, eagerness, and zeal, until the hider was found. And . . . BAM! You tagged them and lucky for you, they had to be “it.”
Seeking ways to support someone isn’t all that different from playing hide- and-seek. As the seeker, you aim for your goal—to find people. You seek to find people you can support, care for, and encourage. Once you’ve “found” them, you support them in whatever way they need. You don’t have to try to fix them; but rather, simply come alongside them, and support them by just “being there.” They will never forget it!
For today, ask God to give you his eyes that you might see people as he sees them and respond with support and encouragement. You won’t have to look very far, because there are people everywhere who are hoping to be supported. Will you be the seeker?

DAY 17
RESPECT EACH OTHER
“Excel in showing respect for each other.” Romans 12:10 (GW)
There are many people in this world who command our respect. When an Olympic athlete competes and wins the gold medal, you have a level of respect for that person. Even if someone wins the gold in walking, that’s still pretty sweet because you know they walk a lot faster than you!
The world’s way of doing things says you only have to respect people who earn it—the popular, the experts, the beautiful, the powerful. The world’s focus is on earning respect and not giving respect. We concern ourselves with achieving or talking like we’ve achieved, so we might somehow gain the respect of others around us.
God’s standard is different, and it leads to a more powerful and fulfilling life. As Christians, we ought to show respect to everyone—even if they haven’t “earned it.” This isn’t some minor concern; this is something we are to excel at.
Showing respect is simple but difficult, because we must overcome our natural way of doing things. Respect turns you into someone’s biggest fan. You wouldn’t think to humiliate the person you respect. You would consider things from their point of view. Respect is listening to discover what the other person has to say.
If we all became better listeners, the church would be a healthier place. Who is someone you could show respect to today or this week, someone whom you normally overlook?

DAY 16
COMMIT TO EACH OTHER
“Let us agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other.”
Romans 14:19 (Msg)
Some people are tough to get along with. It can be difficult because there are many people who do things extremely different than you do them. Just think about your friends and their families . . . I bet each family is completely different and each family interacts in their own way. But in this verse, God is basically saying through the apostle Paul, “Hey, why don’t we stop judging each other. Instead, let’s do all that we can to get along . . . regardless of our differences!”
Think about it. When was the last time you got really mad or even frustrated with someone and completely lost it? Think of their name now. What could you have done differently if you had put this verse into practice? How would you respond now that you know God wants you to “use all your energy in getting along with _____________________________ ? (Visualize their name(s).)
Let’s take this a step further. Today’s focus is, “Commit to each other.” Pick someone—a friend, a parent, a leader—to whom you will make a commitment to get along better with others. Ask that person to hold you accountable to your commitment. Who will it be? When will you call them?
Jesus was the master at building bridges with people. He wants you to do the same. I challenge you to take a small step in that direction today. Will you?

DAY 15
ADMIT WE NEED EACH OTHER
“Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5
Have you ever watched or played in a sporting event that had something disastrous happen? I recall going to a professional football game where the starting quarterback and center forgot to show up. With both key players missing, the game was lost to the opposing team, 48 to 21. Sure, the rest of the team played hard, but without the specific giftedness of these two players, the team suffered.
So it is with you. As part of God’s “team” or family, you matter! What you bring to the “field” is unique and necessary. Without you, something would certainly be missing and incomplete.
God has uniquely gifted you! If you are good at serving others—then serve! If you are good at teaching—then teach! If you are good at giving—then give! It is not a question of whether or not you are gifted, but how you are gifted.
Share your gift with others while being appreciative of other people’s giftedness. As part of the body of Christ, we need you! Don’t be shy, even though you may feel this way. Instead, use your unique gifts to encourage a family member, a friend, or even a complete stranger. Who knows . . . you might realize that you really are a “key player.”

Day 14
REACH OUT EVERYWHERE
“And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus . . .” Colossians 3:17
Colossians chapter 3 is a great description of who we have become because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. In verses 1–17, we read what is expected of people who choose Christ over the world’s way. We are to put to death the sinful, earthly things we used to do, and clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Doesn’t that sound ideal?
At the end of this devotional, you may be all pumped up and ready to cheer the idea of getting the sin out of your life for good and being sold-out for God. You have been soaking in God’s Word now for fourteen days and are ready to conquer the things that bring you down. Hopefully, you’re having what we call a “mountain top” experience.
Now comes the difficult part. As the title of this lesson suggests, we’ve got to not only live this life in the safety of our church or in the quietness of our devotional life; we’ve got to somehow live this life in the real world. Now that’s not only scary, it’s impossible. We’ve got to be a representative of Jesus Christ in whatever we do and say? Yikes!
Here’s what I know . . . based on what you’ve studied in this devotional, you’re ready. I also know that you will mess up at times. Lastly, and possibly most importantly, I also know that Satan will be following you around to point out every flaw you make and discourage you from being a representative for Christ.
Here’s some good news about what I know . . . even though you’re not able to be a perfect representative for Christ, he still chooses to use you. He will even renew you daily for the task if you will commit to spend time with him. In the Old Testament we read, “But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left” Lamentations 3:21–24 (Msg).
You’re ready. Stay true to what you’ve committed to. Remain connected to your small group. And, lastly, continue to keep God first in your life. With all of these priorities in your life, being an ambassador for Christ will be more of a natural act of your character than a frightening requirement of an unsteady faith.

Day 13
REACH OUT TOGETHER
“ . . . you are working together and . . . struggling side by side to get others to believe the Good News.” Philippians 1:27 (CEV)
If you’ve ever struggled with fear about telling others about Christ, you’re not alone. Most people do. It’s not that they don’t want others to know; they are just fearful of being rejected.
I’ve got great news . . . evangelism as a group is not only more powerful than going it alone, but it is also more fun and effective. When you try to share Christ with others by yourself, you tend to have a feeling like it’s you against the world. However, when you let Christ (and your church life) become part of the culture in your friendships, people will want to know more.
I’ve got more great news . . . a person doesn’t need to go from “never heard about Christ” to being a sold-out believer in one conversation. While this would be awesome, you don’t have to beat yourself up if that doesn’t happen. The Good News of Christ happens in the context of relationships. As your relationship with a nonbeliever grows, their receptiveness to the Good News will grow, too.
The bad news is that your chance to share Christ ends when you end. Once you die and go to heaven, you’ll be in the presence of people who have already accepted Christ. Your chance to share your faith will be gone . . . forever.
Here are some baby-step ideas that your group can take together to help others know Christ:
1. Reveal you’re a Christian 2. Extend an invitation to church 3. Ask if it’s okay to share your story 4. Communicate how and why you became a Christian 5. Help your friend accept Christ

Day 12
REACH OUT WITH PRACTICAL HELP
“Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 (LB)
Growing up in a house with three girls was a great place for a battlefield. However, having the parents we did, we were forced to “make up” after the fighting and battle wounds diminished. Our loving parents made us apologize and say, “I love you.” You might imagine how insincere those experiences were—passionless, eyes looking toward the ground, still ticked—we simply went through the motions and said, “I’m sorry. I love you.” The “I love you” was never sincere.
This same passionless “I love you” is how people feel when Christians tell the world they’re filled with love but don’t back it up with loving actions.
In the Book of James, there’s a practical question: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (2:15–16) The challenge for all Christians is to show love and not just talk about it. It’s easy to talk about love, but it’s tough to really love others.
I want to challenge you to prove your love to God by reaching out to others with a love that’s sincere and filled with passion. It’s not easy, but it is the motive that God honors.

Day 11
REACH OUT WITH ACCEPTANCE
“Reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!” Romans 15:7 (Msg)
God wants you to accept others just like Jesus accepted you.
Everyone wants to be accepted. Think back to recess in elementary school. All the kids were waiting to be chosen for kickball. Each team captain took turns calling a name. Remember the feeling you got when you were the last one picked. It was bad! Rejection hurts.
Jesus accepted “rejects,” and it got him a bad reputation with the religious leaders of his day. He was ridiculed for being a friend to sinners. Our Lord accepted the outcasts, the unclean, the poor, and the “sinners.” He believed the kingdom of heaven was available to anyone that would turn to him.
We ought to accept others because Christ accepts anyone. God loved the WHOLE WORLD. He sent his Son so anyone could receive the free gift of salvation.
We ought to accept others because Christ first accepted us. When we accept others, we’re following the example of Christ. We reach out to others as an expression of what we’ve already experienced. It is a sad and dangerous thing when a Christian community believes and acts as if they are an “exclusive” group.
Let’s be honest—none of us had it together before we found Christ (and we still don’t have it together). The Church is a collection of dropouts, losers, sinners, failures, and fools. But we have found perfect acceptance in Christ, unconditional and eternal. As you interact with your world today, consider how you might reach out to someone with acceptance.

Day 10
REACH OUT WITH HOSPITALITY
“Open your homes to each other without complaining.” 1 Peter 4:9 (TEV)
Hospitality is more than just a courtesy—it is a standard set for us by God. Hospitality means freely offering your resources and creating a place that makes others feel comfortable and “at home.” Hospitality extends further than just offering up your home. It is using your possessions to benefit others. This is why the Bible says to offer hospitality without complaining. But it’s so difficult to let go of our stuff!
Hospitality is an action and an attitude . . . we offer what we have without grudge or complaint, in order to make others comfortable.
How does God want you to be hospitable? The best thing for you to do would be to answer this on your own, so you can follow God’s lead in your life. Here are a few examples to get you thinking:
Don’t call “shotgun” so you can be the one to sit in the front seat. Offer to sit in the back.
Be aware of when your group of friends becomes too “clique-ish,” and try not to exclude others.
Look for people sitting alone when you go to church, and start a conversation with them.
Consider being less sarcastic, especially around people you don’t know that well. Be more encouraging.
Invite others to hang out with you and your friends . . . bring them to church.
Hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s as simple as giving people what they need in a way that they are comfortable: “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:40).

Day 9
REACH OUT WITH FRIENDSHIP
“Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people.” Romans 12:16 (CEV)
Everyone makes snap judgments. The moment we meet someone for the first time, we give them a label. Geek, loser, stuck up, low life, nerd . . . maybe you’d use different words, but you still have labels. Sometimes we get labeled unfairly, but this usually doesn’t keep us from stereotyping others. Within the first few moments of meeting someone, we label and measure and evaluate to see if they would be worthy of being our friend.
God’s standard is different. There’s no favoritism. We’re called to be friends with everyone. There is an interesting connection between humility and the ability to reach out in friendship. Humble people aren’t caught up in appearances or looking for fame and status. It’s easy for them to be friendly because they don’t feel like they’re better than others. Pride gets in the way of starting quality friendships because if we befriend the “wrong person,” others might think less of us. Humility allows us to connect with others and be sensitive to their needs. Humble people make the needs of others a priority, and this is why they make great friends.
No one likes being an outsider. Who is someone on your campus who you normally overlook? What can you do to be more friendly? When you go to church this weekend, look for the unconnected people and do the difficult thing—reach out with friendship.