Day 11
Start with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)
Read Scripture: Romans 15:1-13
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”
Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”
And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”
And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Devotional:
Sometimes dealing with people can be hard. We might feel frustrated or superior to them in some way. Paul reminds us that our attitude needs to be like that of Christ who sees all people, Jew and Gentile, alike and priceless. Let us look to the scripture daily for endurance and encouragement to treat others with the respect and value they deserve. In doing so we bring the praise to God that he so justly deserves.
Question to Ponder:
What person or group of people do you need a change of attitude toward to see them as Christ sees them?
Prayer:
Oh Lord, I have sinned so grievously at times in my attitude toward others. Break my heart for them and give me the endurance I need to correct this flaw in me. May the hope I have been graciously given through your son, Jesus, shine through me as I encounter others throughout this Holiday Season as we celebrate his birth and all it means for us. Amen.
End with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)