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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
This isn’t just another conference. It’s a holy moment to encounter Jesus, be filled with His presence, and reset your heart around what matters most. Over three days of powerful worship, teaching, and community, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity and live with boldness.
From curated workshops to next-level add-ons, VOUSCon is designed to meet you where you are and where you lead—whether that’s in your church, your workplace, or the middle of a major life decision. Every session is crafted to grow your faith and strengthen your voice.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
When: Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
VOUSCon is here! On Wednesday before kicking off VOUSCon 2025 in strength and unity we are going to pray.
Don't miss the moment to join us in prayer. Please RSVP by clicking here for our FREE VOUSCon Prayer Night
When: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 7:00PM
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
Serve Day is happening Saturday, July 12th, and we want to get ALL of our crews involved in loving our city so please sign your crew up for a Serve Day project! To see the projects and sign up, please click here! Please have your form in by Wednesday, July 2nd.
When: Saturday, July 12th
Where: All VOUS Locations
Time: 10:00 AM
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 DD
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
