Taking Faith Home

SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Resolve conflicts in the church with mercy. DAILY BIBLE READINGS These passages are related to the Lectionary texts for this Sunday. Sunday Monday Tuesday Matthew 18:15-20 Seeking reconciliation Ezekiel 33:7-11 Romans 13:8-14 Wednesday Philippians 4:1-3 Thursday Friday Romans 5:6-11 God’s judgment seeks repentance Love for one another Paul encourages the Lord’s followers Being acceptable to God Ephesians 4:25-32 Rules for the new life Saturday Sunday Psalm 119:33-40 A prayer for understanding Matthew 18:21-35 A parable about forgiveness SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one.” Matthew 18:15 (NRSV) PRAYERS AND BLESSING A Prayer for the Week: Almighty God, teach us your ways that we may live together in peace and see Jesus in the face of others. Amen. Mealtime Prayer: Dear God, in the midst of violent storms and droughts we encounter in the world, we thank you for this gift of food and for those who have brought it to us. Amen. A Blessing to Give: May God bless you to love your neighbor as yourself. © 2025 Milestones Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 HYMN OF THE WEEK Lift Up Your Heads WEEKLY MILESTONES Take a moment to tell or think about a recent mountain high and/or valley low in your life. CARING CONVERSATIONS Discuss in your home, small group, or use for personal reflections:  What do you do when your relationship with a neighbor, family member, or someone else is in conflict?  Jesus says we are to pursue others with love and grace. How can knowing this help you to resolve differences in relationships that are difficult? DEVOTIONS Read: Matthew 18:15-20. All relationships experience conflict, even relationships in the church. Jesus is aware of this and lays out a plan of action: out of love, be direct. It is the way of life of the people of God. This is announced by Paul in Romans 13:10: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.” Being right is not good enough. Having your own way is not good enough. Be loving, be merciful, and pursue what is right; face conflict through a personal conversation to resolve the issue. But if the person who has hurt you does not repent, this is not an excuse to treat them badly. Treat them as Jesus would treat a Gentile or tax collector. He pursued them with his love. Jesus is present in all our relationships, even the stressful ones. We are to seek out relationships with love and mercy. Discuss: When you have been wronged or hurt in a relationship, how did you handle it? How might Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 impact how you respond? Pray: Lord Jesus, when I am with others, remind me that you are present. Strengthen us to love one another anew each day. Amen. SERVICE Jesus calls us to serve our neighbor in love. Based on the Daily Bible Readings and theme for this week, how can you help resolve a hurtful relationship you have with someone? RITUALS AND TRADITIONS Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20). Think or talk about people in your life at home, school, work, in your family, and in your neighborhood. Write their names down on a sheet of paper and next to each name, a word or words that describe your relationship with each one. How is Jesus present in those relationships? Light a candle to symbolize Jesus’ presence within you. Pray: Lord Jesus, help us to love others, live together in peace, and see your face in others. Amen. In addition to Taking Faith Home, celebrate milestones in your daily life as an effective faith formation tool. Go to: www.milestonesministry.org