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 Romans 15 - Harmony is Fitting for Disciples

We are here to help each other.  Some believers are strong, some weak.  Don’t live to please yourself.  Think of others.  For some reason, it is harder than it sounds.

Lord Jesus, please give us clean hands, hearts, eyes, and minds.  And help us build each other up.

Lord God, the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for Your promises to be fulfilled.  Help us to stop talking and start listening to your Word.  We know that living together in harmony is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.  And yet Christians fight.  We demonize the world and each other.  We know Jesus’ prayer is for unity.  We know we should come together and give God praise and glory.  All credit and praise to God the Father who is compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love for His children (Psalm 103).  Help us, Lord God, to know you and work hard to show that we understand your character and how to emulate it.

This passage shows that Christ came as a servant to the Jews and the Gentiles.  Jesus is always our role model.  He is LORD over all the people of the earth.  Let us all place our hope in Jesus this morning.  He is the source of hope.  His return is imminent - whether it be today or a thousand years from today; it's imminent for those of us breathing in this short life.

Lord God, I’m sorry for my falsities, sin, and shortcomings.  I’m embarrassed about how the church fights, criticizes, and leverages disunity.  May we be Your brave men and women willing to battle for unity and harmony.  I trust in You alone and ask for Your mercy on Your church, Your prized possession.  I know Your unfailing love.  And please bless my family and my friends today.  Help us to grow in goodness and confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lord God, please give me an opportunity today to convince someone about who You are to bring them to You.  We know that people are convinced by reason, by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the Spirit (15:19).  Let us do our part well.

May this be a day of rich fellowship.  May we enjoy each other’s company, conversation, and work together; and, please prepare us for everything that lies before us and for all the work you want us to do so that you may return.  Amen.





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