We need boundaries, we need to develop relationships that will speak the truth in love

| Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

We live in a culture of extremes, division, focusing on what separates us from one another. We see this in the home, churches, in our country. What has happened to coming together and do what will bring us together?

Romans 15: 5-6; “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God wants us to be united and not divided because of Jesus and the Word of God!

* We need patience in our lives. We live in a culture of the microwave instead of the crockpot. We want things in less than a minute instead of taking time. We want everything solved like we see on TV, social media, but that is not real life. We need to allow the Lord to develop patience in our lives.

* We need encouragement from the Lord that “in His time He will make all things beautiful.” We need to be encouraged that what we sow is what we will reap. If we do not like what we are reaping, then we need to start sowing other seed. Lord, remind me that I need to encourage myself in the Lord and in the Word!

* We need to pray that as far as it depends on us to live in harmony with people. Some things are not worth fighting over, but we need to realize that some relationships are worth fighting for! God’s Word tells us “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” That does not mean we approve of behavior, but we can accept the person.

We need boundaries, we need to develop relationships that will speak the truth in love. Harmony is always better than strife, arguing, fighting and giving up!

What will be the result? The blessing of God, because we can praise the Lord together!

How many of us need the Holy Spirit to help us in this area of life?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Center (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at State‎n Island, New York, since 2011. He draws on many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and from significant emotional experiences.

His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is receiving rave reviews. The daily devotion appears in this publication.