Peace and Mutual Upbuilding

Romans 14:19 (ESV) "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (1 Cor 12:25)that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another."

When we were in school, learning to read and comprehend, we were taught to read complete paragraphs or whole stories to get the meaning of particular words, sentences, the paragraph or story. Sometimes when reading the Bible, we read one sentence or phrase and God uses that to speak to us. It is also important to read the complete story, paragraph, book to get the rest of the story but sometimes one or two phrases speak to us.

The above passages together, in separate epistles, form a very cohesive command - for lack of a better word. We should pursue what makes for peace AND mutual upbuilding. We should work to create or keep the peace amongst other believers, especially those in our local congregations and communities. We should do this so that the body of Believers will care for each other, support each other, pray for each other. It is our obligation to build each other up, not let another languish in sin, doubt, fear. Many times, we push for our own way, not taking into account the views, feelings, needs of another. This "command" tells us to build each other up. We should look for opportunities to "give a little", on all sides. We need to care for each other enough to put our own interests and needs aside in order to keep the peace and build each other up.

This is an ongoing challenge. This is hard work and demands our constant attention if we are to succeed. It requires mutual respect. It requires mutual honesty. It requires mutual give-and-take. The Christian Body of Believers, like anything else, is only as strong as its weakest link. When we put ourselves ahead of another causing them to become weaker, we become weaker as well. If we keep this in mind, maybe, just maybe, we can always act in the interest of the strength of the Body of Believers instead of our own hurts and needs.

Jesus, Make me an instrument of healing and peacemaking. Make me ever mindful of YOU and my place in Your Body of Believers with You as the head. Put me where You want me and help me to accept my role wholeheartedly. Amen.

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