Getting Along with Each Other

Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. – Romans 14:10

Getting along with each other is one of the toughest things. Every person thinks a little differently and has their own way of going forward but as in the post “One Common Thread that Binds”, we gain victory by being one in Christ.

Christ is the one common thread that binds us. Be inspired by today’s song Losing by Tenth Avenue North and remember that it is the power of Christ that unifies us in what we believe, what we do, and how we live.
 

 

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One Common Thread that Binds

Scripture Reading:   Romans 14:1-12

We all have our own ideas as to how best obtain and express our faith. The likely attitude for those strong in faith is disgust for those who are weak in faith. On the other hand, the weak in faith likely will judge those who are strong.

But being judgmental or having disdain for others is how we fail. We fail as a family, as a community, or a nation if we ignore one basic fact; the power we have in Christ holding us together as one. Although congregations and individuals may differ in conviction and practice, there is one common thread that binds us. It is the power of Christ in what we believe, what we do, and how we live.

There is nothing wrong with a person giving their viewpoints. That’s how we learn and grow from each other. But God has made each of us for a purpose and we need to celebrate our oneness in Christ. Let us unify to defeat our common enemy satan who tries to kill, steal, and destroy.

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This day with You God, forgive us if we show disdain or judge others. Help us to have a heart that appreciates, accepts, and affirms others. For all have tremendous value in Your eyes. You Lord are not looking for perfect people but only those who accept Your mercy. The mercy given to those who accept the Savior … Jesus Christ. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Romans and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection. 

Romans 14:1-12
* What are the likely attitudes of the strong toward the weak? The weak toward the strong? What is your attitude toward Christians with whom you differ in conviction and practice? In what ways does judging others on these matters ignore the power of Christ?

Romans 14:13-23
* What substitute for judging does Paul command? When questions of food and drink are a Christian’s main concern, what does this reveal about his perspective as to the kingdom of God? With whom must you ultimately keep your faith and life?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Discoveries

It takes courage to take the first step but you have unique talents and abilities. This poem was written to inspire thoughts about all the discoveries that have been made over the years. Many of these discoveries were the result of accidents. Those that made new discoveries were able to relate the unrelated. They took risk but with courage along with imagination, they had a dream to fill some need or accomplish some purpose that would benefit others.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Think of all the
Great discoveries
Made over the years
In various academies.

Many made by accident
By those who related
The unrelated
And just waited.

Taking objects,
Ideas, an asset
To meet various needs
That have not yet been met.

Objects unrelated
In previous years
Now linked together
Through blood, sweat, and tears.

By imagination
Planted as a seed
To grow for a purpose
And meet some need.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-11-2018
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The Golden Rule

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

In the post “Loving Our Neighbor”, some ideas were discussed and the thought came out that if these ideas were applied in each person’s life, there would be no need for laws because no commandment would ever be broken.

For most of us the concept is easily understood but the application of it is extremely difficult. The key is to use the lessons from the Bible and follow the “Golden Rule” by letting love from the Father overflow from our heart to those we meet.*

In many parts of society, hate has taken over but the song Love Take Me Over by Steven Curtis Chapman offers an idea to set things right.


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*Ramsdell, Steve. Sermon 8-12-2012. FUMC Waco. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org>.
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