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My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires
James 1:19-20 NIV
REFERENCES: Jeremiah 7:25, James 1:19-20, Proverbs 18:30, Proverbs 15:1, Matthew 7:1-5, Ephesians 5:21
They say the grass is greener on the other side but if we truly think about it, the grass is greener where you water it. If you don’t tend to your garden, allowing the spirit of God to water it, your relationship garden will decay. Are you watering your relationships daily or are you stuck on a destructive path? When we don’t look and assess our unhealthy patterns of behavior, we end up destroying important relationships that lead down a road of criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. Instead of this, let’s lean into the Holy Spirit who can reverse unhealthy patterns and set us on the path of restoration and redemption.
We need more than good intentions, we need the Spirit of God.
Healthy relationships are built on a pathway of mutual respect and love. Critique and contempt on the other hand destroy the best of relationships. Criticism stems from a heart of judgment, and seeks to point out a person’s flaws instead of celebrating their wins. Contempt often views others as less than, instead of viewing everyone as worthy of God’s grace.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger - Proverbs 15:1 NIV
God wants us to see each other as teammates who thrive in environments where we can be vulnerable with each other. Sometimes, we lean into relationships, time passes, and we tend to allow our defenses to go up as misunderstandings fester to the point of stonewalling. Yet, avoidance only leads to more destruction. What was once meant for two to become one, turns into two opposing teams working against each other. When walls go up, let God bring them down. We were brought into this life to do it together.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ- Ephesians 5:21 NIV
Even if you want to move forward if you’re geared in reverse you won’t be able to do so. When it comes to relationships, criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling drive us backwards. Regardless of the path you find yourself on, it’s never too late to make a u-turn and head in the right direction. Having God at the center of our relationships doesn’t exempt us from falling into the temptation of hitting reverse, but it does help us to react quickly when we have. God always reminds us of the path that leads to life. Today’s the day to embrace the grace God gives us to navigate our relationships. Let’s turn around and head in the right direction.
Which destructive pattern are you most prone to?
Identify which destructive path you mostly go down when it comes to your relationships. Analyze why, and ask God to help you move away from these patterns and into adapting the correct ones.
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
