Who’s Right
Romans 15:4-13 (NLT)
4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:
5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:
“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to your name.”
10 And in another place it is written,
“Rejoice with his people,
you Gentiles.”
11 And yet again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.”
12 And in another place Isaiah said,
“The heir to David’s throne will come,
and he will rule over the Gentiles.
They will place their hope on him.”
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.While reading the backstory of today’s scripture, it reminded me of a struggle that likely occurs in many families.
To a person, my family members must be “right.” Some of our more animated “disagreements” have occurred when all participants were absolutely positive that they were “right” and would stop at nothing to convince others of that fact. No matter the relative unimportance of the topic, being “right” became the goal at the peril of family harmony and peace.
In Romans, Paul is writing to the Church in Rome to assure them that his message is of God through Jesus. At that time, Rome was in the midst of internal conflict between Roman Jews and Gentiles, both asserting their perceived favor from God or their inclusion in God’s kingdom, respectively.
Paul reminds the Romans that all have equally failed to follow the law and, by God’s grace, all have an equal opportunity to get “right” with God by willful obedience. In the specific scripture for today, Paul emphasizes the need for acceptance of each other’s frailties and unity among all when the focus of all is on Jesus Christ. Paul cites several Old Testament scriptures which validate these truths as a guide for their present day.
As we are now in the midst of this Advent season, let us take Paul’s words to heart. While the holidays are steeped in beloved tradition, let us look to the scriptures for divine guidance for our tomorrow. As we are gathered together to reminisce about the treasured experiences, let us not dwell on our pasts, but look toward the Word of God as a living template for today.
And in this era where reason is more elusive and deceptive than ever, let us look to the truth that is the Holy Bible for the voice of reason that originates from our Creator. John Wesley knew it almost 400 years ago. Struggles will come. Whether it is within a family, a church, a country or a world. Scripture should be at the foundation of any solution, always. And knowing that, Paul tells us in this letter to the Roman Church in these verses to not be consumed by who is “right,” rather let us accept each other with the love of Christ and let us be unified by our steadfast faith in God.
Prayer: Father God. My prayer on this day is that you help me to discard my need to be on the right side of worldly things and guide me to the one simple truth above all else: that You are the one true God who asks me only to love You and my neighbor. Nothing else will please You any more than this. Amen.
To a person, my family members must be “right.” Some of our more animated “disagreements” have occurred when all participants were absolutely positive that they were “right” and would stop at nothing to convince others of that fact. No matter the relative unimportance of the topic, being “right” became the goal at the peril of family harmony and peace.
In Romans, Paul is writing to the Church in Rome to assure them that his message is of God through Jesus. At that time, Rome was in the midst of internal conflict between Roman Jews and Gentiles, both asserting their perceived favor from God or their inclusion in God’s kingdom, respectively.
Paul reminds the Romans that all have equally failed to follow the law and, by God’s grace, all have an equal opportunity to get “right” with God by willful obedience. In the specific scripture for today, Paul emphasizes the need for acceptance of each other’s frailties and unity among all when the focus of all is on Jesus Christ. Paul cites several Old Testament scriptures which validate these truths as a guide for their present day.
As we are now in the midst of this Advent season, let us take Paul’s words to heart. While the holidays are steeped in beloved tradition, let us look to the scriptures for divine guidance for our tomorrow. As we are gathered together to reminisce about the treasured experiences, let us not dwell on our pasts, but look toward the Word of God as a living template for today.
And in this era where reason is more elusive and deceptive than ever, let us look to the truth that is the Holy Bible for the voice of reason that originates from our Creator. John Wesley knew it almost 400 years ago. Struggles will come. Whether it is within a family, a church, a country or a world. Scripture should be at the foundation of any solution, always. And knowing that, Paul tells us in this letter to the Roman Church in these verses to not be consumed by who is “right,” rather let us accept each other with the love of Christ and let us be unified by our steadfast faith in God.
Prayer: Father God. My prayer on this day is that you help me to discard my need to be on the right side of worldly things and guide me to the one simple truth above all else: that You are the one true God who asks me only to love You and my neighbor. Nothing else will please You any more than this. Amen.
Steve Ewers, Aldersgate United Methodist, Sissonville, WV ewers12@gmail.com, Lay Leader
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