Unashamed Reading Plan

Prayer

Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Ask God to give you His wisdom today.

Bible Reading: Romans 15:5-13

Read these verses three times slowly.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 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 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”

Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”

And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection & Questions

We have been looking this week at how to relate to one another when we disagree or find each other’s views or practices difficult. Paul has been emphasizing the need to put love above our differences. To put the relationship above the problems.

In today’s verses he gives a theological basis for this. He reminds us that it is God who “accepted” us and it is God who gives us “endurance and encouragement.” We can’t be the easiest people to be God to. We must frustrate Him often, if He can be frustrated. Yet, even still, he encourages us, spurs us on and accepts us.

So, says Paul, if that is how God has treated us, that is how we should treat each other. Why? Because that brings glory to God. It shows that His characteristics are worthy of replicating. It shows that His ways are so good. It shows that we have a true appreciation of His ways. And so it brings Him glory. Let’s “bring praise to God” today by our actions towards one another, especially with those we find difficult.

1. What word or phrase from today’s verses encourages or challenges you?
2. Are you bringing God glory in the way you relate to other believers? Why or why not?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today: