Anglican Devotional 25 August 2023 – Accept One Another In Christ

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 25 August 2023 – Accept One Another In Christ

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TOPIC: Accept One Another In Christ

READ: Romans 15:1-8 (NKJV)

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Let each of us please [his] neighbor for [his] good, leading to edification.

For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

that you may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] to the fathers,

THE MESSAGE:

The word “scruples” used by the New King James Version refers to “weaknesses” or “failings.” Apostle Paul in today’s lesson says that it is the responsibility of those who are mature in the Christian faith to be patient with those who are growing in the faith (verse 1). Those who are growing in the faith are those referred to in chapter 14. Therefore, they will surely have so many opinions or questions bothering their mind as far as the faith. So, in the growth process, the stronger brethren are not seek their own way at the expense of the conscience of new converts. Strong brethren should do those things that will encourage and edify the new converts.

Beloved in Christ, it is important we know that even Jesus Christ our Lord did not please Himself (verse 3). He says “For even son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many”(Mark.10:45). We are expected to accept one another, regardless of the deficiencies. We should not display the holier-than-thou attitude towards weak brethren. The Christian who refuses to receive fellow Christians when there is a difference of opinion is exalting himself above Jesus who received us even though we are sinners (5:8).

PRAYER: Stop displaying holier-than-thou attitude, you are not better than the weaker brethren.

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) provides daily scriptural readings and reflections to help individuals deepen their relationship with God. This edition for 25 August 2023 focuses on the theme of forgiveness and explores how we can receive and extend forgiveness to others as Christ did for us. Join us in this enriching journey of faith and discover the power of forgiveness in your life.