READ Luke 10:25-37, 1 John 1:8-9

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Luke 10:29

REFLECT

I’m so excited for The Bridge Church as we begin this journey of pursuing what it means to be FOR The City. Specifically, I’m excited for us to learn more of what it means to be FOR people.

In Luke 10:25-27, we see an expert in religious law who is trying to justify his lack of compassion for certain people around him. Jesus uses the story of the Good Samaritan to point out that his neighbor is every person who he meets along the journey of life. He is pointing out the expert’s lack of compassion for people outside of his comfort zone. A tough thing for the ruler to swallow.

Every heart journey begins with confession – admitting that something needs to change, or that you’ve been wrong. In your past, perhaps you’ve had to confess to yourself, to someone else, or to God that you made mistakes – as a dad, a wife, a child, or a friend.

That’s where change begins.

The good news is that God promises to forgive those sins. But He also calls us to something else; repentance. Repentance is the act of turning from that sin and making a change, a 180 degree turn.

As we begin this journey, we realize God’s call to be FOR the people of our city, who need the hope of Christ. As you join us on this journey, I’d encourage you to reflect on whether there are areas of your life where you haven’t been FOR people. Times or places where you’ve chosen the easy or safe option, over reaching out to someone with the love of Jesus. We look at the story of the Good Samaritan and it if we are honest there are times we can walk by people on the road of life. Maybe, we don’t have time, maybe it looks too messy. Whatever the reason we can justify our answers and move on if we are not careful.

Church isn’t just something we do or attend, but it’s who we are every day of the week. We are the body of Christ in our cities. Where have you missed the opportunities to reach out to friends, coworkers, or neighbors with the love of Christ?

I truly believe that as you choose to confess to God, and turn towards being FOR the people of our city, that God will begin a story in your heart and in your life!

BOTTOM LINE

Every heart journey begins at the the starting line of repentance.

As you confess to God, know that the journey has begun as He leads and guides you. Ask Him to prompt you every day as you look to be FOR the people around you who need the hope of Christ. Ready to start joining The Bridge in being FOR our cities by being FOR four families? It is going to be an exciting journey. 

PRAY

As you pray today, confess to God the times or places where you’ve chosen to stay in your comfort zone instead of being FOR the people around you who need the hope of Jesus, that need to know about his goodness. Thank Him for his forgiveness, and ask Him to inspire you and walk with you as you choose a new journey of being FOR the city.

Who are your four?