Scripture:
Romans 12:9, 15-16
Thu, 4 May 2023

Loving One Another Within the Church (2)

Observation:

According to verses 15 and 16, what would a church that is acting in love
together look like?

Deeper Reflection
Our genuine love towards other Christians is manifested in several other ways. Joy and sorrow often arise from personal gain and loss. Paul teaches that “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (1 Cor 12:26). Identifying so deeply with fellow Christians that we rejoice with them even when we do not enjoy their gain, and weep with them even when we have not suffered their loss (v.15) – this is empathy that only genuine love can bestow.15In verse 16a, the Greek word for “to think” (phroneo) appears twice. The verse can be rendered: “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind,…” (NASB) Thus, Paul exhorts harmony that results from being like-minded (v.16a; cf. Phil 2:2-4). This does not mean that we must all think in the same way about every issue. Rather, our attitude toward everything that touches our lives ought to spring from the same Christ-renewed mind we have (cf. Rom 12:2).16Finally, Paul warns against overrating ourselves: “…but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” (v.16b NASB) Pride makes us believe that we are better than others and that we are always right. This precludes the church from the harmony to which God has called her. The antithesis of pride is humility, one practical outworking of which is to fellowship with the lowly among us.17 Jesus Himself taught and exemplified humble service to the lowly and ostracised. 18 So must we, His church.When the church practises empathy, harmony and humility, we are acting together in love towards one another.
15 James R. Edwards, Romans, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011), 297. 16 Douglas J. Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), 782. 17 Douglas J. Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI:Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), 783. 18 For example, Matthew 25:40; Luke 5:12-14.
Application:

In what ways do I desire to grow in empathy, harmony and humility?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To practise empathy, pursue harmony and personify humility in all their collaborations with fellow Christians
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 6:1-10
Wed, 7 June 2023

Consistent Daily Devotion to God

Observation:

What does verse 10 tell us about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
For Daniel’s distinguishing competency and character, and commitment to ensuring that the king suffered no loss in his empire, Darius “planned to appoint” him “over the entire kingdom” (v.3). But out of jealousy, Daniel’s fellow-commissioners and the satraps attempted to accuse him of “negligence or corruption” in “government affairs” (v.4a). They could find nothing, because Daniel was “faithful” (v.4b). So, they planned to make accusation against him “with regard to the law of his God” (v.5). And they maliciously instigated Darius to establish a law that “anyone who makes a petition to any god or man” besides the king “for thirty days, shall be cast into the lion’s den” (vv.6-9).Then, “when Daniel knew that the document was signed…he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v.10). This was Daniel’s spiritual discipline with a structure of regular “three times a day”. He kept it daily. We can say that Daniel never missed his quiet time. The most important words in the verse may be “when Daniel knew that the document was signed”. They indicate the context of Daniel’s spiritual discipline: A discipleship challenge where his life was at stake. Daniel’s spiritual discipline was no mere religious ritual and routine. He could have skipped his quiet time “for thirty days” and be safe. He didn’t. Daniel’s spiritual discipline manifested his consistent daily devotion to “his God”: “he continued…three times a day…as he had been doing previously.” At the heart of this spiritual discipline was Daniel’s relationship and fellowship with “his God”.
Application:

How can I cultivate a consistent daily devotion to God?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: That young people will seek to be devoted to God consistently
  • Pray for self
 

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