[3] The one who eats everythi...

[3] The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. [4] Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. [5] One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. [6] Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. - P44

[7] For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. [8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. - P45

Paul tells believers to accept those whose faith is weak without passing judg-ment on them. Some eat everything, others eat only vegetables, but Godaccepts both. Each person should be fully convinced in their own mind.
Whether living or dying, they belong to the Lord. Each will give an accountof themselves to God. - P45

Paul addresses two groups-the weak and the strong. He instructs thestrong to accept and not quarrel with those who continue to observe tradi-tional Jewish rules and refrain from eating certain foods. As for the weak,
Paul urges them not to show contempt or judge others for eating whateverfood they want. People may live out their faith differently, but those whoare sincerely trying to honor God are offering their worship and thanks toHim.  - P46

We may not always agree with one another, but in God‘s wisdom, wecan respect everyone in the body of Christ and live up to our calling to loveone another, letting our commonality in Christ be our foundational bond. - P46

Ultimately, Christians belong to the Lord, and we are to live and die formay beHim. We are not to judge our fellow brothers and sisters. Theretimes when it is necessary to confront fellow Christians for their sins, butwe are not to treat them with contempt.  - P46

We are to love and encourage oneanother as we live for the Lord because, one day, we will all stand beforethe judgment seat of God. He will act as judge as we give an account ofhow we lived.  - P46

We can remain secure about what we will say to God whenwe continue to remain focused on loving others and living for His glory. - P46

Dear God, You are the true Judge. When I give an account before You, I want it to showhow much I loved Your people and lived for Your glory. Help me to demonstrate Yourlove and grace. In Jesus‘ name I pray, amen. - P47

15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of whatyou eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by youreating destroy someone for whom Christ died.
15 And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love ifyou eat it. Don‘t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. - P48

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leadsto peace and to mutual edification.
19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. - P49

Paul tells believers not to judge one another and to avoid putting stumblingblocks in others‘ way. Nothing is unclean in itself, but if someone regardssomething as unclean, then it is unclean for them. Believers are to act inlove, pursue peace, and not destroy God‘s work over food. Whatever is notfrom faith is sin. - P49

There are some believers in the Roman church who think that certain foods are unclean. Paul knows that no food is unclean in itself, but he instructs those who are stronger in their faith to still be considerate and not cause distress by eating whatever they like in front of those who are careful in their eating habits. - P50

Sometimes, we may be strong in our faith and knowledgeable about Scripture yet still put a stumbling block in the way of other Christians by causing them distress through our words or actions. Let us remember that acting in love, especially in front of less knowledgeable Christians, is what is most important; it fosters the righteousness, peace, and joy of the kingdom of God. - P50

Paul encourages the believers to pursue peace and edification and to notdestroy the work of God by causing others to stumble. If they know thatall food is clean, they should keep it between themselves and God and noteat or drink in the presence of those who do not share that belief. If theyhave doubts about whether certain foods are unclean, then partaking ofsuch foods would be sinful because they are not acting in accordance withtheir faith.  - P50

We are called to make every effort to do what leads to peace andmutual edification. May we become wiser in knowledge and love deeper aswe participate in the work of our Lord. - P50

In today‘s passage, Paul exhorts the believers in the Roman church to stopjudging others and, instead, act in love. They are encouraged to extendgrace to one another and avoid causing distress to their fellow Christianswith their words and actions. This is not only Paul‘s desire but also God‘s.
His design is for His people to walk together in harmony, acting in love,
grace, and forgiveness toward one another.
- P51

As I meditated on this passage, I felt a sting in my own heart. I rememberedthat I was holding a grudge. I had been judging someone and measuringtheir actions against my own standards. Though I knew this was sinful,
it was not easy for me to change. When I finally surrendered to God andconfessed my sin, He opened my eyes to see that this person was actuallyhelpful for me. The other person‘s perspective was helping me grow. Now,
my attitude has completely changed. I do not focus on judging the otherperson, and I have learned to embrace our differences. - P51

Dear God, I confess that I sometimes judge others for holding beliefs that are different from mine. Help me know what truly matters to You. May I pursue peace and act in love to build up the community and bring honor to You. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P54

8Let no debt remain outstandi...

8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

9The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

10Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

- P40

12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
- P41

Paul teaches that love fulfills the Law. Believers are to owe nothing exceptlove for one another. The commandments are summed up in loving one‘sneighbor.  - P41

Paul urges his readers to understand the present time, wake fromslumber, and put aside deeds of darkness. Instead, they are to clothe them-selves with the Lord Jesus Christ. - P41

Christians should settle all of their debts, but the one we will never bedone repaying is the debt of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Paul quotesfrom the Ten Commandments, teaching that they all trace back to love,
which is the fulfillment of the Law.  - P42

He reminds his readers to be active intheir faith because Jesus is coming back soon. They should not spend timethinking about how they can gratify their selfish desires; they should reflectthe radiance of Christ. We sometimes try to justify the stagnant spheres ofour lives by making excuses that pacify our guilt. However, Paul remindsus that, from the earliest days, God‘s people have been called to obey Hiscommands and love one another.  - P42

May we recognize and value the presenttime, not wasting a single moment in selfishness but continuously express-ing our love for God and for His people. - P42

Dear Jesus, thank you for Your amazing love. Help us to be a family that trulyloves our neighbors. May we not focus on satisfying our sinful desires, butinstead clothe ourselves with You each day. In Your name, amen. - P43

1Let everyone be subject to t...

1Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

2Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.

4For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.


- P34

5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscie
- P35

Everyone is to submit to governing authorities, for all authority is establishedby God. Paul warns that rebelling against authority means rebelling againstGod  - P35

Authorities are God‘s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment onthe wrongdoer. Believers are to do what is right, pay taxes, and give everyonewhat is owed-revenue, respect, and honor. - P35

This passage reminds us that God is sovereign over all authority including authorities in government. In general, we are not to rebel against authorities. Civic leaders should not pose any threat to those who do what is right but are given the power to punish those who do wrong. - P36

We might resist this idea when we think about some of the ungodly leaders in the world. However, we see many examples throughout Scripture, including Jesus Himself, who submitted to authorities even when they did not know God or His ways. - P36

Because our ultimate loyalty is to God who works all things for our good, we are able to submit to the rulers of the earth knowing that God is sovereign and can fulfill His purposes through anyone. - P36

Paul explains that submitting to authorities also involves paying our taxes.
Government leaders are full-time workers who serve the community, andeveryone should pay their taxes to contribute to the financial needs of society. This can seem difficult when we do not agree with our governmentleaders. We may not want to pay our taxes to those we do not like, or showrespect to those we deem unrespectable, or give honor to those we deemdishonorable.  - P36

However, as we show respect and honor to those in authorityand pay the taxes that we owe, we demonstrate our trust in the ultimateauthority, God, who calls us to fulfill our duties and responsibilities, respectour leaders, and give what is owed. - P36

Father, thank you that You are the ultimate authority. Use the authorities in my government to fulfill Your plans and purposes, and may I be a faithful and respectful member of society, bringing glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P36

15Rejoice with those who rejo...

15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

- P30

19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
- P31

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- P31

Paul reminds his readers of the importance of not only rejoicing with those who rejoice but also mourning with those who mourn. They are to forsake conceit and readily associate with other believers, regardless of social class or background. Lastly, Paul encourages them to do their utmost to pursue peace. - P32

We are demonstrating God’s love when we are able to enjoy the happy times together and also support one another through difficult times. We should live in harmony with one another and not allow unnecessary conflict to arise in our communities. - P32

Finally, we should not resort to doing evil ourselves when someone has committed evil against us. We are to live by God’s standards, taking care to do what is right and living at peace with everyone. - P32

Paul tells the Romans that God is just, and they can leave any punishmentup to Him. Instead of focusing on avenging themselves, they are to respondwith gracious actions, feeding their enemies when they are hungry andgiving them something to drink when they are thirsty.  - P32

When someone haswronged us, we might be tempted to take revenge, but God claims vengeance as His. For our part, responding with unexpected and undeservedcare makes those who wronged us feel as though burning coals are on theirheads: They recognize even more intensely the sinful actions they havecommitted. In this way we overcome their evil with good. - P32

Heavenly Father, I confess that I am sometimes inclined to take revenge against those who have committed evil against me. I leave the retribution to You. In my own actions, help me overcome evil with good. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P33

Love must be sincere. Hate wh...

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

- P26

12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
- P27

Love must be sincere. Believers must hate evil, cling to what is good, and bedevoted to one another in love. Paul instructs them to keep their spiritualfervor, joyful hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer. Believersare to share with those in need, practice hospitality, and bless those whopersecute them. - P27

Paul indicates the attitude that we should have as we serve God and His people. We are to love earnestly and sincerely, without being hypocritical, lukewarm, or inconsiderate toward the ones we love. Rather than being competitive or comparing ourselves with one another, we should honor other believers and be devoted to them. - P28

We can point out what we appreciate about them and find ways to show our loyalty and commitment. We should despise evil and cling to what is good—the good things being a reflection of God Himself. - P28

Our commitment to one another is a fruit of our zeal and fervor to serve the Lord. It is as we devote ourselves to Him that our love for others becomes stronger and purer. - P28

Some of us have no problem being joyful in hope and faithful in prayer, butbeing patient in affliction can be unusually difficult. It requires endurancewhile experiencing prolonged pain. Being hospitable and sharing withthose in need can also be a challenge because it requires the investment oftime and money.  - P28

Perhaps the greatest challenge of all is to bless those whopersecute us. Responding in these ways is difficult, but it is possible whenwe keep our eyes focused on God and remember the sacrifice of Christ.
- P28

When we reflect on the difficulties and pain Jesus willingly accepted on ourbehalf and consider His great love for us, we find that our own responsesare opportunities to demonstrate His ways and become more like Him... - P28

Dear Lord, thank you for modeling how we should respond to difficult situations. When my love and passion start to wane, inspire me once again to reflect Your character and follow Your ways. In Your name I pray, amen. - P29

When my passion to serve God and His people begins to fade, I notice thatthis usually happens because I have experienced some severe disappoint-ment or have not spent enough quality time with the Lord. In either case,
I find that listening to worship music, particularly songs that declare God‘sgoodness, faithfulness, and love, is a helpful first step toward renewing andrestoring my soul. I remember how faithful God has been to me and thatno disappointment is so great that He cannot help me overcome it. Thesongs remind me that I am loved and cherished and that I have the privilegeof serving our great and powerful God. - P29

reset myLastly, fasting from any negative or distracting influences brings peace tofocus and re-center it back on God. This can involve avoiding so-cial media or certain people or events. Replacing these influences with moretime with God and paying greater attention to what He is doing rekindlesmy love and fervor for building up His kingdom. - P29

Paul exhorts the believers to bear with one another and please others above themselves, resembling Christ, who did not seek to please Himself but endured the insults of others. We are encouraged to follow His example, learning from what was written in the past in the Scriptures, which teach us about endurance and inspire us to have hope. Then, we are able to bear with one another’s differences, embrace each other, and become of one mind and one voice. - P54

We are reminded that, when we face difficulties within the church, we can look to Christ, who gave Himself up to fulfill the perfect will of God. May we humbly commit ourselves to becoming one in Christ for His glory.
- P54

Citing many different Old Testament passages, Paul proves the point thatScripture teaches us to accept one another, just as Christ accepted us. Whenwe show such unity and grace, we bring praise to God. His divine plan wasto bring His people together, and that plan continues today. Therefore, asHis children, we submit to the will of our Father and follow the exampleof Christ, choosing to love and accept one another.  - P54

When we encounterdifferences in the church, we do not need to respond with judgment orcriticism that divides the community. Rather, by the power of the HolySpirit, we can be filled with joy and peace as we trust in the God of hopeand offer our praises to Him. - P54

From my mother and my senior pastor, I have learned that the best rolemodels are those who not only teach with words but also live out what theysay. In today‘s passage, Paul reminds us that the Scriptures testify to the ex-ample of Christ, which we as believers are called to follow: His endurance,
His willingness to bear with others, His mercy and acceptance, and Hishumility. All of these are written for us so that we may learn from Him,
become more like Him, and glorify God through our lives.  - P55

As we devoteourselves to the daily reading of Scripture and make an effort to live out itsteachings, we will find ourselves becoming more like our Lord Jesus Christ. - P55

Dear Father, thank you for the perfect example of Your Son who shows me how to accept and live harmoniously with those around me. Help me to bear and endure and accept and love for Your kingdom and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P55