Strength to Persevere

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus. – (Romans 15:5, HCSB)

All patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other, as Christ Jesus wants. – (Romans 15:5, ERV)

I pray that our God, who calls you and gives you perseverance and encouragement, will join all of you together to share one mind according to Jesus the Anointed – (Romans 15:5, VOICE)

This passage is part of Paul’s encouragement to the church of Rome, as it highlights the need for perseverance and encouragement to be united with fellow believers. To join together with one mind does not mean that all people need to think and act alike, but rather it is a matter of agreeing to keep the main things the main things. As a believer, the main things are to love God and love people. When we prioritize doing these things, we are aligned with Christ and do that which He wants us to do. May we ever seek the Lord to grant us strength and perseverance, and help us to encourage one another to love well in all things and at all times. It is only by His grace that we are able to be the children of God that He has called and created us to be.

It is by God’s grace,

that we each can be;

who He has made us,

live in harmony.

His strength is needed,

to choose persevere;

His love enfolds us,

encouraged, we hear.

To hear is to choose,

to listen to all;

His love will guide us,

help answer His call.

The call is to love,

live in unity;

care well for others,

be His hands and feet.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to live in unity with one another, and You encourage and strengthen us so that we can persevere. Forgive us for the times that we have lost sight of what it means to love You and love those around us. Teach us to seek You to be our strength and resolve so that we may persevere in all things and at all times. Lead us in Your love so that we may encourage those around us as we love the way You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to show us the ways we should go and to grant us the strength that only You can supply. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. – Exodus 15:13

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United in Purpose

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus. – (Romans 15:5, HCSB)

All patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other, as Christ Jesus wants. – (Romans 15:5, ERV)

I pray that God, who calls you and gives you perseverance and encouragement, will join all of you together to share one mind according to Jesus the Anointed. – (Romans 15:5, VOICE)

God calls us to live in harmony as believers. That means we must keep the main things the main things and be united together in purpose. This does not mean that we must think alike and act alike, rather it means that we ought to come together and find common ground in our love for Jesus. To do so, we need the patience, endurance and encouragement that come from God. His love allows our hearts to align with those who are very different from ourselves. Marriage is a great example, as it is typically two people who are distinctly different from one another that come together in love. I know for my husband and me, we are quite opposite. He is the epitome of an extrovert, whereas I am rather reserved. A large crowd is something he loves, yet I much prefer only small groups of people at a time. However, we both love people deeply and are loyal to a fault. Our desire to care for others and serve, unites us together in Christ. He brings out the bold in me, and I encourage the reflective side of him. The same things hold true in a community of believers. When we are united in purpose, we can appreciate the strengths and different gifts in others and recognize that we need one another to be our best selves. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to live in harmony as believers, for as we do, we join together in purpose and accomplish the things that He intended.

We’re called to unite,

for purpose, in Christ;

to love as He loves,

care well and live right.

With patience, in peace,

choose come together;

persevere in love,

sisters and brothers.

The more that we choose,

to look for the good;

unity follows,

God’s grace understood.

Let’s look to the Lord,

to help us unite;

His purpose is love,

in this, He delights.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be united for You. Thank You that You can bring people from diverse backgrounds with distinct personalities and strengths, and build Your church. Forgive us for the times that we have not taken the time to get to know those whom we should. Teach us to trust You to lead us and grant us grace to seek to understand one another and to bond together in purpose. Show us how to love well, all those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for purpose, perseverance and peace with all those whom You have placed around us, so that we may be united together for You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3

At Peace With Each Other

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus. – (Romans 15:5, HCSB)

All patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other, as Christ Jesus wants. – (Romans 15:5, ERV)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. – (Romans 15:5, NIV)

God provides the endurance and encouragement that we need to live in harmony with each other. He does not tell us to suck it up or figure it out, but rather He modeled for us what it is to live in harmony with one another through His Son, and then God supplies what we need to do the same. It is not easy, nor does it always come naturally, but continually seeking God to show us how to live in harmony with each other is worthwhile. Peace, patience, goodness and kindness find their way in when we earnestly seek the Lord. May we ever go to God to provide what we need so that we may live in harmony with those around us.

O Lord, please lead us,

In Your love and grace;

Provide what we need,

Throughout ev’ry day.

Grant us endurance,

When the days seem long;

Your encouragement,

So we can be strong.

Strong in Your mercy,

Full of love and grace;

At peace with others,

Your love leads the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us patience, encouragement and endurance to live out our days in harmony with one another. Thank You that each day is new, and yesterday’s shortcomings do not determine today’s peace. Forgive us for our lack of seeking, or for holding onto things that divide rather than unite us. Teach us to follow Your example and to rely on You to provide what we need to be at peace with one another. Show us how to love and encourage one another in such a way that we find common ground and mutual respect for each other. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to supply all that we need to live in harmony with one another. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11