Let us strive to live in harmony with one another as Christians
Christians are encouraged to seek and promote peace within the community of faith.
So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
Romans 14:19
Romans 14:19 is a call to the believers in Rome, and by extension to all Christians, to actively seek and promote peace within the community of faith. The Apostle Paul is emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with one another, focusing on actions and attitudes that contribute to mutual edification rather than division.
The context of Romans 14 deals with disagreements among Christians over disputable matters, such as dietary laws and observing special days. Paul is urging believers not to pass judgment on one another over these issues, but instead to act in love, respecting each other's convictions. The goal is to build a community where peace and edification are prioritized, recognizing that the Kingdom of God is "not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17 CSB).
Paul calls for Christians to prioritize the wellbeing of their brothers and sisters in Christ, fostering an environment of peace and encouragement that reflects the love and unity to which God has called His people.
Whether it is disputes between denominations or differences in opinion on protecting the lives of the unborn, there is division between Christians, and likely will be for the rest of our days on Earth. This doesn’t lessen a worthy goal of raising up those who believe in Jesus Christ. Our views and actions, and our opinions posted on social media, are not perfect, because none of us are perfect.
Is there something you can do this week to put this message into practice? Perhaps check on a fellow Christian who you may not see eye-to-eye on politically or otherwise?
Christ is the ultimate path to unity and harmony among believers. Let us pray and seek harmony with one another.
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father,
In Your wisdom, You have called us into a family, the body of Christ, united through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. We come before You, seeking the harmony that reflects Your divine nature, acknowledging that at times, our human frailties lead to discord among us.
Lord, instill in us a spirit of humility and gentleness. May patience be the cloak we wear, and love the bond that ties us together. Help us to see one another through Your eyes, recognizing the unique gifts and perspectives each person brings to Your kingdom.
Grant us the grace to bear with one another in love, even when disagreements arise. Remind us of the sacrifice of Your Son, which calls us to a higher purpose beyond our individual desires and opinions.
We pray for the strength to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. May our words and actions reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name.
In the challenges we face, let us not forget the example of Christ, who sought not His own will but Yours, bringing reconciliation and peace. May our collective witness be a beacon of Your love in a divided world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.