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Bible Study for Teens
Mail The most effective way to deal with hate is by prayer. God has called us not to be vengeful, but imitators of good.
2 Corintheans 3:18 "Glory to Glory"
This verse asks each of us to look in the mirror. When you were a baby christian, you saw mostly whom you were then. As you matured, you start to see yourself different, changed, better. As you grow, the image in the mirror ought to look better each time as you pass from initial glory to final glory. Challenge the students: who does God see in the mirror?
Matthew 5:43-44 "Love your enemies"
43. "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
44. "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you
This was by command of Jesus. We will be looking at examples of this in this bible study. To bless is both to pray for someone and also to bless them in a material way, showing kindness. Your do good action is meant to change a heart. Your prayer and love will turn an enemy into a friend.
Matthew 5:21-22 "Anger is counted against you."
Remind that it is better to forgive one another, than to hold a grudge. As students get back together in a school setting, perhaps there is something bitter from last year that needs to be forgiven now....
Romans 12:17-20 "Vengence is the Lord's"
Repay noone evil for evil. If after you have repaid evil with kindness, and there is no "return on investment" God will repay with judgement. Further, the judgement will be worse as you are putting coals on the fire to make it burn hotter. We have to let God do His work. Discuss and see if there are problem areas that need guidance.
Case Studies
Job 1:1. There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
Job 19:1-29 "My Redeemer Lives"
Job had reason to be angry, at everybody, including at God. What was his personal choice? He firmly warns his friends that if God has punished him, a good and righteous man, could God punish them more in their unrighteousness?
Those who are humble will hear the message and the Personal Challenge below:
Romans 12:9-15 "Behave like a Christian"
Look at yourself in the mirror. Behave like a Christian. Love one another. Forgive someone at school, don't say mean things about them, but instead show that you have grown in the Love of Christ. As Job pointed out, it could be worse, so make the best of God's mercy and time of grace.