November 29, 2017 – Romans 15:5

Romans 15:5 – May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

A second grader asked me one day how to spell ‘each-chuther’ for a story he was writing. We write a story daily with ‘each-other’ and with God, our story is one of patience and encouragement through His strength.  We recognize easily the faults of another as if they are personal affronts to us. God’s word is a mirror in which we see our reality.

In Matthew 7:4 – How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?

When our reality is following the words of Jesus, we can join together for one purpose of praising Him. When we truly love others, there is no them and us, or you and me, there is only us – in one accord.  Is acceptance difficult?  Is loving others hard to do? Does forgiving seem impossible? Yes, Yes, Yes.

Consider how Jesus accepts us, loves us, and continually forgives us.  What does He give up?  Himself. He humbles Himself for you and for me that we might be saved. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.  Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:7-8.

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. Psalm 3:3.

Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:6-7