Romans 15:5-13
Reflect
We don’t have to open our eyes very long to see we are living in very divisive times. Recent issues brought on by the pandemic have only seemed to intensify the differences that exist between people’s backgrounds and perspectives. How are we to navigate amid all this? Today’s passage challenges us to have the mind of Christ (v5). He truly modeled the attitude of a servant, entering our world and our stories in a very profound way. He took the first move toward us when we were anything but deserving. We didn’t need to conform to His standards to earn His compassion. He died for our sin that we might find acceptance in His family. To have the mind of Christ is thus to see others as Christ sees them, created with dignity and thus in no way beneath our compassion and understanding. Rather than focus on what divides, might we try to understand? Rather than stand in judgement, might we listen to the story of the other? The book of Romans began in chapter 1 with a powerful description of our common need before God. As Paul brings his letter to a close, he reminds us again of how our common need should cause an attitude of humility, servanthood and understanding, not pride and division.
Apply
What is your first reaction to people who hold positions or perspectives different than yours? While acceptance doesn’t mean compromise, it does call for the humility to listen before we draw conclusions. How might you become a better listener? Is there someone whose story you need to listen to?
Pastor Lyle
- Pray for our College & Career interns, Kiersten Moline and Alyssa Schroth.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Melissa Chaffee and her family.