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The Pastor's Blog

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LIVING IN HARMONY



 

Here’s a not-so-secret secret … People aren’t always nice.

 

We are born selfish and self-centered. “My diaper is wet! Change it … Now!” “I’m hungry. Feed me!” Years into our adulthood, we often live in the center of our universe, exhibiting these child-like ego-centric attitudes. “I want what I want ... and I want it when I want it!”

 

We’re not always team-players. We don’t always obey the Great Commandments; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).

 

People aren’t always nice.

 

That’s why Paul prayed for the several little house-churches located in Rome. He wanted them to live peaceably and to cooperate in their efforts to spread the glorious Gospel message. He begged God to grant them unity … singleness of focus … to have a heart for God’s heart.

 

“Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice” (Romans 15:5-6).

 

In the following verse, Paul continued with some instruction and further encouragement. “Welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). The Apostle’s overarching desire was for lost people to be saved and for God to be greatly glorified.

 

What does this teach us about praying better, bigger prayers?

 

We need to pray that God’s people will serve and “live in harmony with one another” so that people outside the church will marvel at our love for one another and be drawn to our Savior.

 

Jesus said it best. “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35). When we display Christ-like love for one another, we’ll live and serve in harmony, others will take notice and God will be glorified!

 

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).




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