Day 18: Experiencing life together

1. Life is meant to be shared.

2. It is only as we become open about our lives that we experience real fellowship.

3. We only grow by taking risk, and the most difficult risk of all is to be honest with ourselves and with others.

4. Never hold grudges, because bitterness and resentment always destroy fellowship. Because we are imperfect, sinful people, we inevitably hurt each other when were together for a long time. Sometimes we hurt each other intentionally and sometimes unintentionally, but either way, it takes massive amounts of mercy and grace to create and maintain fellowship.

5. Remember, you will never be asked to forgive someone else more than God has already forgiven you. Whenever you are hurt by someone, you have a choice to make: Will i use my energy and emotions for retaliation or for resolution? You cant do both.

6. Forgiveness is letting go of the past. Trust has to do with future behavior.

7. Forgiveness must be immediate, whether or not a person asks for it. Trust must be rebuild over time. If someone hurts you repeatedly,you are commanded by Him to forgive instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them to hurt you. They must prove they change over a period of time...