Romans 15:5-9


Romans 15:5-9
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. 

What is Jesus’ attitude towards us? Agape. God is telling me that despite my discouragements from people, I must look at them as Christ looked at us. This is extremely difficult especially now that I’m affected by their attitude towards God’s ministry. But again, God is reminding me that people are more important than events.

It may be draining at times to try and fill in for others, but this happens only when I lose sight of the more important things in God's ministry. What if I make the people the central project or program of my work? That is, I focus on them and consider their struggles, pains, failures, joys and achievements as my main ministry concerns?

I had had this realization before. The people are more important than the organization and the structure. When Christ walked on earth, He poured His energy on men and women, getting to know them, healing them and teaching them. I need to look at God’s people and love them individually as Christ loved us. I know this will give me encouragement as it did in the past. More than that, I know that when love reigns in the body, we glorify God together!

 I pray, Lord, that this be true as well in the hearts and minds of my brothers and sisters. May we desire to love one another. May our attitude be the same as Christ’s in Philippians 2:5-11 5. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothingby taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himselfby becoming obedient to death —even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest placeand gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. 

I am now living as a slave of Christ. I have surrendered all my rights freely to Him. I ask, Lord, that You teach me once more to look beyond events and consider the people. May I not be drowned by an insatiable desire to have a famous ministry. Instead, may You teach me to remain faithful with what I have and to work closely with my brothers and sisters in the faith.

May I be a source of encouragement for them. May I be willing to accept their failings and offer back to God whatever hurts and pains these may entail. Teach me humility and genuine patience, Lord. May I always remember Christ’s own struggles whenever I am tempted to assert myself. May I never let the “I” usurp power ever again from Christ. Help me to do this, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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