Daily Devotion, February 9, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 12:3, 16.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is filled with theology. In the beginning part of the book, Paul spends a lot of time explaining who God is and what He’s done for us. Then he gives us many commands as he shows how God’s love should affect our lives: Be joyful, patient, faithful, generous, humble, and hospitable. Our God is a relational God who wants us to experience the blessing of being connected which means we need to live in harmony and unity. We are not meant to be self-sufficient and isolated.

There is probably no part of our inner life that is more fragile than our self-concept. Parents must wisely help children develop a healthy concept of self but not lead them to think they are superior. We must not be boastful. All of us, in all stages of life, are shaped by our self-perception. In our Scripture reading for today, Paul cautions us, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” It’s easy for us to think highly of ourselves. We can easily sound proud. Paul does go on to say that we are all important and needed, as we are all members of the body of Christ, no matter what skills and gifts we possess.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, please give us a humble and soft heart so that we can see all the grace and mercy you have given us. Let us not be boastful, but just serve you and serve people with the heart of a servant. We need your spirit to help us. Amen.