Graceful Working Together
Scripture Reading — Romans 15:1-7; Colossians 3:12-14
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
If we are serious about living a life of Christian faith, we must keep in mind how our actions affect others. We cannot grow in faith all by ourselves; nor may we forget to tend to the well-being of others. Even if we have broad diversity, there can be unity when our shared focus and purpose are about loving God and neighbor. Mutual hospitality is a vital part of building unity as God’s people.
We build unity when we look out for one another. This means we are to help others out, even when it might not be convenient. Paul speaks directly to believers who are “strong,” including himself in that grouping, because those who consider themselves “strong” can easily be tempted to look down on others who are not like them.
Going even further, Paul says we are to accept one another just as Christ has accepted us. How did Christ accept each one of us? He accepted us with plenty of faults.
We have all experienced being let down by other people, and we have all been guilty of letting others down. Paul also reminds us that we are to forgive just as we have been forgiven. And he urges us to put on the virtue of love because that is what binds us together in perfect unity.
In what ways can you share God’s love to help build unity?
Gracious God, we confess that our tolerance for others can be lacking. Unite us as your people and make us gracious toward others just as you have been gracious to us. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Lloyd Wicker
Lloyd Wicker has been a pastor for more than eighteen years and has served churches in Illinois, Washington, and California. He currently serves as a chaplain with the United States Navy in Sicily. Lloyd and his wife, Heidi, have three children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!