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Key Bible Verse: The Father … has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12, NIV). Bonus Reading:Col. 1:9-14

Ryan and Sam shrank from disclosing reality in their lives to each other. Although saved, they instinctively knew they'd still be condemned as sinners. But after connecting with the truth of grace for the first time, the two walked up to me.

"Sam here and I've been close friends for years," Ryan said. "Over lunch we did the exercise about choosing to believe that we're each saints. And I learned something about Sam that he's kept hidden from me." Ryan turned to Sam. "Why don't you tell Bill what you just told me?"

Sam said, "I told Ryan that a while back I acted out an unhealthy behavior, and that right now I'm deeply tempted to do so again. In fact, I just wish someone would hit on me."

Ryan responded, "You've lied to me for years, Sam. I feel hurt and confused. Before, if you'd told me the stuff you just did, I'd have rejected you. But today I'm proud of you for telling me. I don't have a clue how to help you. But I know you're a saint, Sam—one with deep issues that are freaking me out right now. But I'll stand with you."

Now the masks were off. Each saw the other as a fragile and compromised, but dearly accepted saint.

—Bill Thrall in TrueFaced

My Response: What mask must come off if I'm to reach out to others?

Thought to Apply: If we don't accept Jesus in one another, we will not be able to give him to others.—MOTHER TERESA (Albanian missionary to India)

Adapted from TrueFaced (NavPress, 2003) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, I'm on the receiving end of Your grace big time! Help me to dish it out to others.

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