Verse: Romans 12:16 (NLT)
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! –
Devotion:
In relationships, especially in relationships we have with our program participants, we should always aim to live in harmony with each other. In order to do that, we each must readily adjust ourselves to other people. This isn’t always easy to do, but the God’s grace is always there to help us. Oftentimes we don’t take the time to process why challenges come up in our relationships – we are too quick to judge.
Selfishness has no place in healthy relationships, but the harmony will come when we begin to put others above ourselves. This is one of the characteristics of Jesus. The Bible is filled with many examples teaching us how to handle our relationships. It is important for us to learn from the best Teacher; the Holy Spirit. It is impossible for us to love God, whom we can’t physically see, if we do not love those who are with us daily.
God has made it possible to do what seems impossible, even when we are in a difficult place. One important lesson the Holy Spirit can teach us is to seek peace and pursue it. In order to do that, it takes work on our end.
Thought:
When compromise or sacrifice is necessary, offer it graciously rather than requiring it of the other person.