Devotion:
Read Romans 12.
Some might describe Paul’s letter to the Romans as his “graduate-level” writing about what it means to be a Christian. This chapter is about how to practice what we believe. It all starts with worship. Worship at its core is recognizing that God is worthy and to honor him with our lives. God has good, pleasing and perfect plans for us and wants us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Daily laying aside our own desires to follow him, putting all our energy and resources at His disposal and trusting him to guide us. We do this out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.
The next step is utilizing the gifts that God has given. Christians should live and work together using the gifts to build up His church. No one has the same gifts. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together the church will be the hands and feet of Christ to the world.
God calls us to be real and genuine in our relationships with others. Love is the key. It goes far beyond being hypocritical and polite. Genuine love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. If we love someone the way Christ loves, we will be willing to forgive. If we have experienced God’s grace, we will want to pass it to others. Giving grace to friends and to a foe, loving them in spite of their sins against us, that is loving as Christ loves us.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on your journey with God. What are your joys? What are your disappointments? Spend time talking with God and hear His heart for you.
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