Love: Identify and Accept

1. Memorize Hebrews 3:12-13 This week.

2. Study the following passages. If you are unfamiliar with the context of a passage, read more of the chapters around it. You may also find some help in a study bible or dictionary by reading an introduction of the book to understand the historical context. As you study the passages, consider: What suffering is taking place? Who is suffering? Why are they suffering? What does this passage teach about God and our suffering?

Ex. 3:7, 9; 4:11; 1 Sam. 2:2–7; Dan. 4:34–35; Lam. 3:28; Amos 3:6; Ps. 25:7–8; 34:8–10; 33:5; 60:3; 100:5; 136; 145:4–9; Isa. 45:7; Acts 2:22–24; 4:27–28; Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:3–9; Eph. 1:11; Phil. 2:5–9; James 1:2–8; 5:10–11

3. Read Paul’s description of his suffering in 1 Corinthians 1:3-11. Think of suffering that has taken place in your life. Write down the following: What was the suffering? When did it take place? Why were you suffering? (Disease? Your choices? Others’ sinful choices? Devil? God’s good purpose?) How did you respond in your suffering? Where was God? What has God done/is God doing in your life through that suffering? How did God meet you in your suffering? Consider how you can relate this suffering to someone else to comfort them in their suffering.

4. Read Titus 2:11-3:8. How has God received you? On what basis does He receive you? When God receives you in Grace, does He have an agenda for you and your life? What is that agenda?

5. Romans 15:7 tells us to accept one another as God accepted us. What does Titus 2:11-3:8 tell you about how to accept others?