Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Restored in Christ: Living in True Harmony

Bible Reading:  Romans 12:9-16

Key Verse: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)


DEVOTION

In Romans 12:9–16, St. Paul teaches us how we should treat fellow believers, neighbors, and everyone we encounter. We can find seven lessons from this text. Our first lesson is to put others first. Being humble means thinking of others before ourselves. Paul encourages us to go out of our way to show respect and kindness, treating everyone like they matter more than our own pride.
Our second lesson is to serve God with energy and joy. We should not be lazy in our faith. Instead, we should be excited and ready to do what God asks, showing that our hearts are alive and full of love for Him. Our third lesson is to endure with hope. Paul gives us three things to hold onto when life is hard: be happy because of the hope we have, stay strong when things get tough, and keep talking to God through prayer. These three habits help us stay close to God and keep our faith strong, even in hard times.
Our fourth lesson is to be generous and welcoming. Real love is not about what we say, it is shown in what we do. Helping people in need and being open to others, even strangers, shows the kind of love Jesus has for everyone. Our fifth lesson is to respond with grace. When someone hurts us, we should not try to get back at them. Instead, we should speak and act with love. This kind response helps stop fights and shows the same forgiveness that Jesus gives us, even when we make mistakes.
Our sixth lesson is to genuinely care about others. Loving people means sharing in their feelings, being happy when they are happy and sad when they are sad. When we do this, we show others the same kindness and care that Jesus shows us. Our seventh and final lesson is to be humble and live in peace with others. Getting along with people means not thinking we are better than them. We should be kind to everyone, even those who are often ignored. Real wisdom starts with being humble and treating everyone with respect.
As we reflect on these lessons from Paul in Romans 12:9–16, let us remember that living a life of love, humility, and grace is not just a calling, but a daily choice. Each day gives us the opportunity to put others first, serve with joy, endure with hope, and reflect Christ’s love in everything we do. May we live with the same passion and devotion that Paul had, allowing God’s love to shine through us in our relationships, our actions, and our hearts.


PRAYER

Father, thank You for loving us with a perfect and sincere love. Teach us to love like You do. Help us to hate evil and hold fast to what is good. Fill our hearts with compassion, humility, and a deep joy in serving others. May our lives reflect Your grace as we live in harmony and kindness with all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Thought for the day

True love is acting with sincerity, rejecting evil, and embracing goodness, just as Christ did for us.
                                                        
Gina Abraham
Mar Thoma Church of Staten Island, NY

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