This post is Day 23 in a series of studies about “A Living Sacrifice”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

A Living Sacrifice – Day 23

Most of us get on well with those who think and act as we do. Those of our own or a similar culture. But to be a Living Sacrifice means that we have to work at some things. Living in harmony with one another is probably one of them.

Romans 12:16

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

The Thought

The first part of this verse is a challenge for the majority of people. Sadly hundreds of divorced Christians across the world are witnesses to not having lived in harmony with a partner.

Most of us get on well with those who think and act as we do, those of our own or a similar culture. But to be a Living Sacrifice means that we have to work at some things. Living in harmony with one another is probably one of them.

Jesus’ challenge to “love our neighbours as we love ourselves” is very real for many of us. As it was for the man to whom Jesus told the story of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37).

Sadly too many people who consider themselves Christians have on-going disputes with family members or church members. Paul the writer of Romans urged two women in the Philippian church to agree together (Philippians 4:2). James in his short letter pleads with us not to curse each other (James 3:9-11)!

Snobbery or pride is one of the curses of man, and many of us are guilty of that from time to time. It must have been evident in this church that Paul was addressing.

The Bible has much to say about pride.

Action

Look up the words “pride” or “proud” in your Bible today, and make a note of the verses which speak to you.

Take a moment or two as you go through the day to ask yourself if there is any pride or snobbery in you. Remember that the Lord loves every one of those people you don’t love or associate with.

Praise God for the thousands of people right now who are living among a different people group in order to show Christ’s love to others.