Verse: Romans 12:16, 18
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight… 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Devotional Thoughts:
Sometimes I wonder what the apostles would have to say to churches if they were able to step out of the pages of the Bible and into our world today. It would certainly feel foreign to them, and not simply because of the culture, technology, or language barriers they would face.
It would feel foreign because Christianity is a significant part of society. I saw a report last week that the Taliban were going door to door in Afghanistan looking to find and kill those who profess to follow Christ. This would’ve been much more familiar to the early church. Who knows how many rocks were used to stone those early Christians? Who knows how many Christians were put to death in arenas such as the Colosseum just because of their faith?
It makes what the apostle Paul has to say to the church in Rome all the more remarkable. He tells them to “live in harmony… [and] peaceably with all.”
Points to Ponder:
We live in polarizing times. It seems as if each week there’s a new issue that threatens to divide us. And I just want to remind us all, including myself, that we are called to live in harmony with one another. To live peaceably, insofar as it’s up to us.
Ever since the pandemic started, it’s been a strange time. Most are just wanting things to get back to normal, many are wondering if it ever will.
One thing’s for sure though. When it comes to hope when things look down, joy when things seem bleak, patience when things are difficult, and love for others even when we disagree – the church should be leading the way in it all. The church should be leading as a light to the world, an example of Christ’s love toward those all around us.
