Faith Unleashed: Week Seven

Week Seven Devotional: Finding Justice in the Wild

Day 1: Identity in Christ

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (NLT) "Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life."

Reflection: Paul reminds the Corinthians of their identity as saints, equipped with the Spirit of God. Reflect on your identity in Christ. How does knowing you are a saint, called to partner with Jesus, change the way you approach conflicts and decisions?

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember who I am in You. Strengthen my identity as Your child and guide me to live out that identity in all areas of my life.

Application: Today, write down three ways your identity in Christ can influence your actions and decisions. Keep this list with you as a reminder of who you are in Him.

Day 2: Godly Wisdom vs. Secular Wisdom

James 1:5 (NLT) "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."

Reflection: All wisdom is God’s wisdom. Consider areas in your life where you might be relying on secular wisdom instead of seeking God’s guidance. How can you integrate God’s wisdom into your daily decisions?

Prayer: Father, grant me Your wisdom in every situation. Help me to discern and apply Your truth in my life, both in the church and in the world.

Application: Identify one decision you need to make this week. Spend time in prayer, asking God for His wisdom, and seek guidance from Scripture before proceeding.

Day 3: Handling Disputes

Matthew 18:15-17 (NLT) "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector."

Reflection: Reflect on the process of resolving conflicts as outlined by Jesus. Are there unresolved issues in your life that need to be addressed through this biblical process?

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to handle conflicts with grace and truth. Help me to seek reconciliation and unity, following Your example.

Application: Think of a conflict you are currently facing. Plan to initiate a private conversation to address the issue, following the steps Jesus outlined.

Day 4: The Cost of Winning

1 Corinthians 6:7-8 (NLT) "Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers."

Reflection: Sometimes winning in the world’s eyes means losing in God’s kingdom. Reflect on a time when you prioritized being right over being righteous. What did you learn from that experience?

Prayer: Lord, help me to value righteousness over being right. Give me the courage to lay down my rights for the sake of Your kingdom.

Application: Consider a situation where you might need to let go of being right. Pray for the strength to prioritize righteousness and reconciliation.

Day 5: Responding to Injustice

Matthew 5:38-42 (NLT) “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow."

Reflection: Jesus calls us to respond to injustice with love and grace. How can you apply this teaching in your life today? What does it mean for you to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile?

Prayer: Father, empower me to respond to injustice with love. Help me to reflect Your grace in my interactions with others.

Application: Identify a situation where you can go the extra mile for someone today. Act on it as a demonstration of Christ’s love.

Day 6: The Example of Jesus

1 Peter 2:23 (NLT) "He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly."

Reflection: Jesus did not retaliate when He was wronged. Reflect on how His example can guide you in situations where you feel wronged or insulted.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your example of humility and love. Help me to follow in Your footsteps, trusting in God’s justice.

Application: When faced with an insult or wrong today, choose to respond with kindness and leave the situation in God’s hands.

Day 7: Living for God’s Glory

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

Reflection: Consider how your actions can bring glory to God. Are there areas in your life where you need to let go of personal victories for the sake of God’s kingdom?

Prayer: Lord, may my life be a reflection of Your glory. Help me to live in such a way that others see You in me and are drawn to Your love.

Application: Perform an act of kindness today that points others to God’s love, and reflect on how your life can be a testimony to His glory.