Scripture to Read: Romans 12:14–16
God uses His beautiful Truth to challenge us each new day. As we read, study, and memorize God’s Truth, we can see how our fleshly nature always comes against God’s Truth. We know our flesh will buck God and His Truth because God tells us in Galatians 5:17, For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another. So, there is a battle going on within us, and we must crucify our flesh (Romans 6:12–14, Galatians 5:24) to walk in obedience to our Lord’s Word. As we read Romans 12:14, we realize that apart from Christ, there is no way for us to bless those who have caused us harm and hardship. To bless those who have hurt us is only possible as we submit to our Lord Jesus Christ and surrender our selfish motives to Him. Our flesh wants to curse and hurt those who have done the same to us, but God says we are not to look, act, or model our lives after them. Then God tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn. We breathe our Lord’s love and compassion into others when we rejoice and weep with them. Finally, today God tells us in Romans 12:16, Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Remember, God told us this in Romans 12:3. We need His constant reminders.
Challenge & Application
· Since our flesh is so ugly and selfish, how are you crucifying your flesh so you live obediently to our Lord?
· How are you walking in the Truth God gave you today, and how can you improve?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!