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NOV 17 / Sunday – Romans 12:15-16

Overview: There are two keys to living a victorious life that don’t need any lengthy theological interpretation. They just need to be put into practice.

18 / Mon – Rejoice  |  Read Romans 12:15a

When someone else gets the promotion you thought you deserved or a friend goes on a cruise you know you could never afford, what kind of thoughts run through your head? Be honest. Do you feel a bit jealous sometimes? Now imagine this happened to one of your children. Most of us would be excited to see someone we love being blessed. This is how God wants us to feel about others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember, we are all on the same team!

19 / Tue – Mourn  |  Read Romans 12:15b / James 1:19

Life is full of beautiful things, wonderful blessings, and precious moments. But it also has its share of tragedy, grief, and pain. Everyone has or will go through times of mourning. Just as God calls us to be happy for another’s success, He wants us to sit with them in sad times. Did someone else walk with you through difficult circumstances and it comforted you? Maybe they followed the first two pieces of advice James gives in v16. Are you willing to do the same for others?

20 / Wed – Burdens  |  Read Galatians 6:2

Everyone is carrying something. Many keep theirs hidden. What do you think it means to carry another person’s burden? What do you think the “law of Christ” is that Paul mentions? Check out Jesus’ words in John 13:34. Do you know someone who might need you to come alongside with help and encouragement today? If you do but don’t know what you would say or do to encourage them, ask the Holy Spirit to show you and then do what He says.

21 / Thu – Harmony  |  Read Romans 12:16a

God calls us to live in harmony. What does that mean? Have you ever listened to a choir singing? Every member is different. Some have high voices, others have very deep voices, and still others are in between. Yet, together, they make beautiful music. Two things make it possible to sing in harmony. First, each person knows what notes they are to sing. Second, everyone is looking at the director for their cues. How might this apply practically to us today?

22 / Fri – Highbrow  |  Read Romans 12:16b / Isaiah 53:2 (speaking of the Messiah)

What does it mean for you to be willing to associate with people of ‘low position’? It’s embarrassing to admit but do you find yourself judging others? It can be instinctive, when you first meet someone, to judge by first impressions. If they are ‘higher’ than you, you want to associate with them. But, if they are ‘lower’ than you, you can be dismissive. Has this happened to you in the past, only to discover later what a fascinating person you almost missed getting to know? Be willing to see others as God sees them.

23 / Sat – Reality  |  Read Romans 12:16c / Romans 12:3

A proud or conceited person is usually comparing themselves to others who they believe aren’t quite as talented or intelligent or as (fill in the blank) as they are. The opposite of pride is humility, which comes when you see others who are smarter, more talented, or more successful than yourself. It’s a matter of perspective. It also requires being honest with yourself. What do you have that wasn’t given to you or made possible by someone else? When you are tempted to think of yourself too highly, remember where you came from and what you used to be.