Tuesday, September 9, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 7
When I look back at some of my most stressful seasons, I can see how I allowed my reactions to steal my peace. It wasn’t always the situation itself; it was how I responded to it. A quick email reply. A sharp comment in a meeting. A defensive response to feedback. Going quiet instead of speaking up. In those moments, I wasn’t following Jesus’ example. I was letting my emotions dictate the outcome.
Part of this comes from generational hurt. When you carry wounds from childhood, it can be difficult to gauge the reactions and actions of others. I sometimes filter what people say or do through the smudged lens of old pain. We all do it based on our lived experiences. Even when someone may not mean harm, it feels personal, and we react as though they’ve struck the same nerve again. That’s why we have to be intentional with tolerance. Pause, pray, and ask God to help us see people for who they are in this moment and not through the distorted lens of past hurt.
Tolerance grows when we invite Jesus to heal the lens we use to see others.
Romans 12:18 (NIV) reminds us:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Notice the balance. It acknowledges that peace isn’t always fully in our control. But it also points out our responsibility - as far as it depends on you. That means you can’t control how someone else speaks, reacts, or behaves, but you can control how you respond.
Tolerance doesn’t mean ignoring truth or letting harmful behavior continue unchecked. Instead, it’s about choosing patience over irritation, understanding over assumption, and grace over offense. Jesus modeled this repeatedly. He didn’t let every insult or challenge shake him. He often responded with quiet strength, pointing people back to God instead of getting tangled up in endless arguments.
In our Series Theme Verse, Paul urges us not to repay evil with evil but to live in a way that is honorable and points others to God. Trusting God’s Word and leaning on the Spirit’s guidance gives us protection when conflict arises. We don’t have to spiral into offense, resentment, or bitterness. Instead, we can rise above it, choosing a response that reflects Christ. That choice leads us into a freedom where our peace is steady and secure.
Questions:
How have your past experiences shaped the way you react to others?
What helps you pause and “check your temperature” before responding?
Where might God be inviting you to grow in tolerance this week?
Next Steps:
This week, when you feel your peace slipping, pause and pray before responding. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the situation through Jesus’ eyes and not only through the lens of your past hurt. Also, take time to ask God to invite you to join a Group. Amazing growth happens there.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for showing me what true peace looks like. Heal the parts of me that still see others through the lens of past hurt. Help me to respond with grace, grow in tolerance, and live at peace with those around me. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:17-18
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
This post was written by Monique Myers, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.