Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Pursuing Peace and Mutual Edification

Bible Reading: Romans 14:17-23

Key Verse“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19 

DEVOTION

Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we dwell upon Romans 14, we can see how Paul stresses the need of ensuring that we lead ourselves to peace and building up each other in the love and grace of God. But Paul brings up a point in verse 17, where he mentions “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”. Paul is addressing a situation in the early church where some Christians had strong convictions about certain foods and practices while others did not, and he is pleading to the Christians in Rome to not judge each other, but prioritize unity and peace within the church over personal convictions. What this is essentially saying is that the kingdom of God is not about food and drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. We should not let these issues divide us, but realize petty things such as difference of food choice does not compare to what God offers. 

In verses 20-21, Paul draws attention to the fact that all food is clean, but if it causes a brother or sister to fail or stumble, it is better off not to consume it. Relating this to Verse 22, there will be many things God may challenge us to give up, but unfortunately, we go on approving them in our life – thus we are condemning ourselves. Learning from Paul and his warnings, we should incorporate the same idea in our own respective churches. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be divided by politics, ideals, or convictions; but realize that we are bound together by the blood that our Savior shed for us. Jesus has blessed us with fellow-minded individuals who share the same Fruit that the Spirit provides; and to those who need help being edified and finding peace, we as brothers and sisters in Christ should have the peace and grace to help build up our fellow brethren. 

   PRAYER

 Father, we pray for those who are earnestly seeking you and your Kingdom. We ask that you bless your people with the peace that your love endlessly provides. We pray that as your people, we emulate the same love and grace that your Son gave as he died on the cross. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Thought for the day

 The cross wasn’t comfortable for our Savior, so why would we expect the calling of being a disciple to be?

Rohit Varughese
Epiphany Mar Thomas Church, NY

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