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13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

 

“You were right….” Those are magical words any husband or wife dreams of hearing, but why do we long to hear those words so much? I’m sure it’s different for everyone. Whether it’s true or not, it is a form of affirmation. A way to lift up our partner rather than tearing them down. Love is more important than being right. If being right destroys your relationships, what good is being right?

As Christians, we are called to love one another and build up those around us, despite our differences. The Kingdom of God isn’t a checklist of Do’s and Don’ts, it is “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This is the example set by Jesus Christ, and it is what others should see by the way we live our lives.

I did some research on the word Righteousness while preparing for this devotion and here are a few definitions I found. “Rather than just following strict rules, it involves acting justly, showing mercy, and helping the poor or vulnerable.” “Being in a right relationship with God. It means living in a way that matches God's good and fair character. It is not about being perfect or proud. It is a gift from God that shows up as fair and kind actions toward others.”

Instead of focusing on who is right and who is wrong, what if we spent our time building up those around us and being a source of peace and joy in this world?

Lord, you set the example for us to follow. You were right in everything you did, yet you gave your life for all of us who are so very wrong. Help me to walk in your ways, focusing on building up and loving ALL of my neighbors, despite any differences we may have. Amen

Karen DeMauro

Karen.demauro@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern - For the students beginning this new school year, that they love all of their classmates as God’s children.