DEVOTION – DAY 490

Romans 12:16 “Welcome Associations”

Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

The apostle Paul had written his letter to the church in Rome, to ground the Roman Christians in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Having done so in Romans Chap. 1-11, Paul now focused on the practical applications of their faith that would cover Romans Chap. 12-15. In v16, Paul taught everyone to live in harmony with each other. Unity was important for the church to stay together. That was why Paul warned the Romans against pride, because pride often destroys unity. Pride causes people to want to associate themselves only with people from the same social background and status. But in every church, there are always people from different social backgrounds and status. If everyone were to only mix with people from the same background, then, there would be disunity. This will result in a church full of cliques, and a church that does not welcome outsiders. 

We have had the privilege to visit different churches in the past. Some churches we visited seemed “cold” to us because no one bothered to talk to us when we were obviously strangers to their church. Everyone seemed focused on talking to people they knew only. There were other churches where their ushers were on the lookout for new visitors. When we attended such churches as visitors, we would be warmly greeted and others made efforts to talk to us and make us feel welcomed. This just shows what a difference it can make to visitors when they visit a church for the first time.

I was talking to someone recently who just started coming to our church 3 weeks ago. He had not been to a church for many years and had drifted away from God. But because of a personal family crisis, he felt helpless. Having no one to turn to, he could only turn to God. That caused him to come to church. He walked into our church and I am glad someone spoke to him and made him feel welcomed. Then, I met him and after speaking to him and noting his distress, I offered to pray for him. He was touched by the care and concern. This just shows how important it is for all of us to apply Romans 12:16 in our churches. It might draw more people closer to God.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for telling us to live harmoniously with one another, and be watchful of pride, and to be more loving to others regardless of who they are. Please help us to obey your commands always. We humbly pray in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Do you keep to your group of friends only whenever you attend church or do you make it a point to talk to people you do not know, in order to get to know them better? Share.
  2. What can you do to me more outgoing and to connect with people you do not know in church? Discuss.
  3. Why is it important to live with each other in harmony in church? Discuss.
  4. What role can you take in making your church more welcoming to others including new visitors?