Day 7

August 13

JP Durham

Romans 12:16 NIV

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Romans 12:16 is a really good verse when we address the idea of connection. This verse very bluntly and simply addresses us on how we should be with others in our community. God tells us not to look down on any of his children because of how they are. He tells us to not have pride in our hearts so that we can live, and even learn from those who we may think are of lower social position. We should have respect for everyone. No matter their background, habits, ethnicity, or social status. 

It is so easy, especially now a days, to look at someone and immediately begin to judge and criticize how a person is living. With things like social media that are basically asking for people to have an opinion on another’s life, it really creates a mindset to compare your life with others. To give an example, it’s really easy to pull up to a red light and see a man with a cardboard sign, and say “how pathetic” or “get a job”. I have been guilty of it many times myself. I think this is what God is referring to in this passage. That just because God has blessed us to be more fortunate than someone in that position, that doesn’t mean that we should look down on those who are struggling. We should never consider ourselves “too good” to affiliate with those of lower social standings. God wants us to love all of his children, and to do whatever we can to bring up our brothers and sisters in Christ. Just like the verse says, we need to live in harmony with everyone. We should never have so much pride that we believe we’re too good to have to deal with those in a tough spot. Only God can judge us.

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to find love in my heart so that I may not be so conceited. Humble me so that I may look at others who are in need of you, and know that could just as easily be myself. Help me to lift others up and never tear them down. Bless those who are lost, and help those who are in need of you Lord. Use me to be light for those in the darkness. 

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.