March Devotional

INTRODUCTION:
Think for a minute about what it is like to be alone.  How would you describe it?  On the other hand, what is it like to be with other people?  There were times that Jesus went away by himself to pray (think of the Garden of Gethsemane), but here he is telling the disciples that even mature believers can fall prey to the dangers of isolation. 


SCRIPTURE READING:

Matthew 18:15-20

The Message (MSG)

 ^15-17"If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won't listen, tell the church. If he won't listen to the church, you'll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God's forgiving love.
 ^18-20"Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."

FURTHER DISCUSSION:

• When have you have felt spiritually connected with others?  
• When have you have felt spiritually alone?
• Think of the "buddy system" in SCUBA diving... Do you have someone that you trust with your spiritual life?  
• What are your experiences allowing someone to accompany you on your journey?
• Was it difficult or easy?  Why?