OCT. 22, 2013
The
Campaign
Read: Romans
15:1-7
Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which
one may edify another. —Romans
14:19
Each
year young people in our community participate in a “Be Nice” campaign
spearheaded by a mental health organization. In one of the events in 2012,
6,000 students spelled out the words BE NICE with their bodies on their
schools’ sports fields. One principal said, “We want students to come to school
and learn without the distraction of fear or sadness or uneasiness around their
peers. We are working hard to make sure students are lifting each other up,
rather than tearing each other down.”
Paul
desired that the people in the church at Rome would have an even higher
standard of love. Both the strong and weak in the faith were judging and
showing contempt for each other (Rom. 14:1-12). They despised one another as
they argued about what foods were permissible to eat (vv.2-3) and what holidays
they should observe (vv.5-6). Paul challenged them: “Let us pursue the things
which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (v.19). He
reminded them that their hearts should be concerned with pleasing others, not
pleasing themselves. He said, “Even Christ did not please Himself” (15:3); He
served.
Join
the campaign that loves others despite our differences—you’ll bring praise to
God (v.7).
Dear Lord, I want to be a person who is
kind and loving to others. Please help me
to use words that will build others up
and bring praise and glory to Your name.
Kindness is simply love flowing out in little gentlenesses.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
