The Heart of Christianity is Brotherly Affection
Today’s Bible Verse:
Romans 12:10 ESV
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
In the heart of Saint Paul's letter to the Romans, nestled within a tapestry of instructions for Christian living, we find this gem of a verse, a reminder of the essence of our faith. It's a call to action, a challenge to prioritize relationships, and an invitation to embody the selfless love of Christ. This verse raises three important points:
Devoted in Love: Devotion isn't just a fleeting feeling but a steadfast commitment. To be devoted to one another in love is to actively choose to put the needs of others before our own, mirroring the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. It's about nurturing relationships and offering support, forgiveness, and encouragement.
Honor One Another: To honor someone is to recognize their inherent worth and treat them with respect and dignity. It's about acknowledging the unique gifts and talents that God has bestowed upon each person and celebrating their contributions to the community.
Above Yourselves: The verse challenges us to shift our perspective and move away from a self-centered mindset. It's an invitation to embrace humility, recognize that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves, and find joy in serving others.
In a world that often prioritizes individualism and self-promotion, may we strive to live out the counter-cultural message of Romans 12:10. May our lives be marked by devotion, honor, and selfless love, a testament to the transformative power of Christ's grace.
Prayers
Remember:
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me to be devoted to one another in love. Please help me honor others above myself and put the needs of others before my own. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may reflect Your selfless love in all I do. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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