Romans 15:5 - Harmonious Living.
Romans 15:5 (NIV) May the God who gives
endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude
of mind toward each other that Jesus Christ
had.
Romans 15:5 (ESV) May the God of endurance
and encouragement grant you to live in such
harmony with one another, in accord with Christ
Jesus,
INTRODUCTION
The Roman church was a diverse community. It
was made up of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and
free people, rich and poor, strong and weak. So
it was difficult for them to accept one
another. Accepting means taking people into our homes
as well as into our hearts, sharing meals and
activities, and avoiding racial and economic
discrimination. We must go out of our way to avoid
favoritism. Consciously spend time greeting those you
don't normally talk to, minimize differences, and
seek common ground for fellowship. In this way
you are accepting others as Christ has accepted
you, and God is given glory. [Life Application
SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Cruising along the highway I saw a giant
banner across the back of a semitruck announcing,
"Test in Progress." Switching lanes to bypass
this, I was struck by this concept of preparing
other drivers for possible mistakes by disclosing
that the driver wasn't perfect. I wondered, If I
wore a T-shirt emblazoned with "Test in
Progress," encouraging people to be understanding if I
made mistakes - not just on the road but in life
- would people be more patient and accepting
of my flaws and imperfections?
How significant, those three simple
words: test in progress. They describe the entire
human race. Everyone's undergoing some kind of
test in progress. We just don't broadcast it with
a banner on our backside. When I reflect on
various tests in progress among my own family and
friends, I recall struggles with addictions, income
losses, unpaid bills, eviction threats, terminal
illnesses. These tests, and more, are the daily reality
for people we pass on the highway of life.
While I was desiring extra grace for
myself; Jesus reminded me to have a heart of
compassion for others. I want to have an attitude like
Jesus for people enduring personal hardship that's
not proclaimed on a banner. Cassandra Tiersma
Faith Step: Whether at home, at church,
at work, or on the highway, consider each
person you meet as someone undergoing a test in
progress that you may not be aware of. Will you
switch lanes to bypass them? Or will you offer a
word of encouragement? Ask Jesus to give you the
same attitude He has for others. Thank Him for
loving and accepting us wherever we are in our test
in progress. [Mornings With Jesus 2022
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
COMMENTARY FUNDAMENTAL
My husband and I recently had our
fortieth wedding anniversary. We joked that we
married when we were ten, since we don't feel old
enough to have celebrated such an anniversary.
Indeed, we did get married fairly young.
Through the years, harmony was
occasionally challenging to find. On personality tests,
we score very opposite. Ted is quiet and I'm a
chatterbox. He's patient and easygoing. I'm extroverted
and more tightly wound. Each of our qualities
hold strengths and weaknesses, and we've learned
how our traits can affect each other. We've
worked to adapt, to view situations through the
other's perspective, and to show love in the way the
other appreciates it.
If we had spent forty years focusing
solely on harmony with each other, we would have
hit more sour notes. From the time we committed
to walking through life together, it was a
three-fold commitment. A Powerful Phrase Is Buried In
Today's Verses From Romans: "In Accord With Christ
Jesus." As Both Of Us Focused On Turning Our Hearts
Toward Jesus, We Found It Easier To Resonate With
Each Other.
The same is true with other relationships
in the body of Christ. It's hard to find unity
when we're singing from different sheet music.
But when we align our hearts with Jesus, we find
that, despite our many differences, we are able to
glorify God with one voice along with our fellow
believers. And that's a song Jesus sings with us.
Sharon Hinck
Faith Step: Sing a song with someone else
today and find a harmony. Ask Jesus to bring
harmony to one key relationship in your life.
[Mornings With Jesus 2021 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
CLOSING PEARL
A few years ago, a family in our church
experienced the unexpected death of their precious
little girl. Driving over to their house, I tried
to prepare my heart. What would I say? How
could I comfort them? I wanted to be so strong and
comforting for these dear people but feared I wouldn't
be able to control my own sadness. So I prayed
and asked God to direct everything I would say
or do.
After knocking on the door, I breathed
deeply and walked in. When I saw the dad across the
room, he immediately rose to his feet and moved
toward me. With his full weight, he collapsed on
me. Before I could stop it, I started crying
with him. All I could do was hold him as we
sobbed together.
For quite some time, I held him. Then we
sat together and no one spoke. Not a word. When
I left, I got in the car and felt like a
massive failure. I didn't say anything to comfort
this family.
A few days later I received the most
touching note. It was from both the mom and dad who
gushed about how much my visit had ministered to
them. It was then I realized that presence is more
powerful than words. Just being there, together, was
all that mattered.
Today recognize that you don't have to
say the right thing to make a big difference.
Sometimes you just have to be present.
Allow me to comfort others, Lord, just by
sharing their burdens today. Help me to show them
your heart through my presence in the midst of
their struggle. [Daily Power by Craig Groeschel]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - BE AN ENCOURAGER.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200322-0751.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
