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Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Additional Scripture References: Matthew 5:23-24, Proverbs 17:9, Proverbs 14:9, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 119:165; Philippians 4:8
Have you ever been in a relationship and not seen eye to eye? You took a stand believing you were on the right side of the argument, and it ended up driving a wedge between you and the person you love. You couldn’t let it go, and now your teammate feels like your opposition. Your desire to be right outweighed humility and you missed out on the opportunity to grow in intimacy. The truth is that we’ve all been there. If you find yourself distanced in a relationship you value, take heart because God has bridged the gap for us to find restoration.
Agreement is not the point, forgiveness is the key
Strengthening a relationship relies not on agreement, but on love and forgiveness. Failing to forgive creates space for bitter roots to grow. The longer we choose to be offended, the more distance we allow in our relationships. Bitter roots put a lens on our perception, causing us to see offense everywhere. Rather than looking at life through a lens of offense, God’s word reminds us to focus on what is true, noble, right, and pure. The first step to freedom is acknowledging the distance we’ve allowed in our relationships.
“So, what if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that someone has something against you? Leave your gift there and go make peace with that person. Then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
When we choose to be in a relationship, offense is inevitable and disagreements will arise. How we handle these moments makes all the difference between walking in bitterness and walking in grace and love. There is a correct way to apologize and make peace. Before pointing a finger at the other person, we are called to lay down our fence and walk over our offenses. Love is powerful, and there is strength in recognizing we are called to be in unity. We play a role in our relationships — we can remove the lens of bitterness, accept responsibility, and walk in healing.
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9
To be in relationships with others is one of the greatest gifts of this life. Relationships are hard work, filled with opportunities to choose how we will respond to offense. A relationship that goes the distance is one with a path paved by offenses that have been laid down. Jesus calls us to live a life unoffended, walking in true peace. As we choose to go first in forgiving those who have hurt us, we can rest assured that we will make it as long as we stay close to Jesus.
Take some time to meditate on Psalm 119:165, which reads, “Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them.” Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you are carrying offense. Lay down your offenses, forgive, and ask God to fill you with great peace.
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
Saying yes to Jesus marks a brand new beginning. Baptism is your next step. It's how you go public with your faith and celebrate the new life God has given you. The past is behind you, and a fresh future is ahead. This is your moment. We are having baptisms this Sunday, July 27th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
This back-to-school season, we have the opportunity to show up for our city in a meaningful way. On Saturday, August 2, we’re hosting a Back to School Bash at the Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, located inside Charles Hadley Park. It’s a chance to serve local families by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies and making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to start the year with confidence.
Donate - Fill backpacks for families in need for the school year. You can purchase supplies locally and bring to a VOUS Location or donate online.
Serve - Help host our annual Back To School Bash for families in our community — distribute backpacks, check-in guests, and serve our city during a morning of fun and games.
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Where: Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center
Address: 4900 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Team Rally: 10:20AM
Starting Sunday, August 3rd, we will be moving to brand new service times at all of our locations!
VOUS SoMi
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
VOUS Design District
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
The countdown is on! If you're ready to take your next step in ministry, leadership, or higher education, now is the time to apply. VOUS College application deadline is July 31st for both our degree-seeking and leadership programs. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a life-changing semester. Start your journey at vouscollege.com/apply.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
