Today's Verse - Romans 12:17-18

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

—Romans 12:17-18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

REDEMPTIVELY — That's how Jesus lived! He sought to make a difference in the lives of everyone he met — friends, sinners, and adversaries. His goal wasn't getting even, getting what was rightfully his, or even winning the arguments he had. Jesus focused on interacting with people redemptively. His mission was to leave them more blessed than where he first found them. The apostle Paul lived with the same goal. He could say, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). In our passage today, he challenges us to do the same!

My Prayer...

Forgive me, O God, for the grudges I've harbored and the evil things I've thought about others. Help me to see others and value them as Jesus does- how he valued them when he ministered to them while on earth. Please use me to be a redemptive influence on all my life touches. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Romans 12:16

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

—Romans 12:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Don't be conceited!" That's a command for someone else, right? I don't think I've ever met someone who genuinely felt they were conceited. But, when looking for someone we want to associate with, we seldom look for someone ignored by the crowd, forgotten by the pretty people, and easily overlooked by others. We want to "hang around with" those who are important, loved on social media, recognized as superstars, known as successful athletes, or beloved entertainers. We believe we deserve to be noticed and valued, too. Oops, I guess that's why Paul wrote this command for us. Remember who Jesus associated with. Remember what his brother, James, said about not showing favoritism or bias because people are considered "less than" (James 2:1-13). Jesus wants his church to have many different kinds of people because harmony only happens when people sing different notes in tune!

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for making me in your image, designed personally by you to do something to bring you glory. At the same time, Father, I don't want to be a snob, thinking too much of myself and my importance. Please help me see those with whom you want me to associate with. Help me love people as Jesus did! In his name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

—Romans 12:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While misery may love company, grief can lead many of us to withdraw and hide. So, let's remember those who have lost loved ones, especially this time of year. Let them know how you value and miss their loved ones, too. As you talk about their loved ones, please mention them by name. Don't feel like you need to explain the why behind their death or give advice to the grieving — remember, Job's counselors were a blessing until they started talking, trying to defend God and explain why Job was suffering. Love serves, encourages, and waits; so, serve, encourage, and wait. Do it with both the grieving and the rejoicing people in your fellowship. Make this a season of true joy and comfort. Affirm their grief while sharing their laughs and rejoicing with them in their good surprises. They need to know it is ok to have moments of joy in their sadness. Also, dear friend in Jesus, make sure you are around people full of joy and rejoice with them, too! It's hard to serve if you don't rejoice.

My Prayer...

Holy God and comforting Father, please give us eyes to see and hearts to offer loving care to those around us who are grieving. During this special time of year, please use us to bless those in sorrow and help us as we join those who are rejoicing. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our source of comfort and joy. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.