Living Out Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

We’re better together

‘Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves... Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.’ (Romans 12:9-10, 13, NIV)

Reflect:

Romans 12:9-16 calls us to live well with others. In this letter, the apostle Paul was urging the church in Rome to become ‘living sacrifices’, to offer their whole lives as worship to God.

His instructions to the Early Church – to bless, to rejoice, to mourn and to be in harmony with one another – highlight how we too, can honour God through our relationships with others. This countercultural way of living and loving stems from a renewed mind, which translates inner faith into outward actions that reflect the light of Jesus.

Not only did Jesus preach with words, but his daily interactions teach us so much about how to love God and to love others. As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to cultivate this love, to transform communities burdened with darkness and to glorify God through our service.

This love-in-action lifestyle is the natural overflow of a deep spiritual life.

Daily Action:

Over the next weeks, this devotional will invite the demonstration of God’s love through daily challenges and choices to consider. You may find it helpful to think of it as more of an action plan than a reading plan!

We are not meant to walk this path alone. In fact, we are stronger together! Jesus himself partnered in ministry with his disciples, showing us the power of community, and Paul’s letter is clear in its ideal of togetherness. Your first challenge is to reach out to a friend or colleague. Invite them to join you on this justice-seeking journey.

Hold one another accountable, pray together, act responsibly, and seek God’s wisdom. Allow the Lord to guide your steps and decisions, knowing that he partners with us as his co-workers in service. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. An ever-present helper, God equips us to act justly and live faithfully.

Prayer:

This devotional provides daily opportunities to pray. As you embody justice-seeking response, engage in the spiritual practice of breath prayers, cultivating an awareness of God’s continued presence that moves and goes with us. Breath prayers are simple, short prayers that can be repeated rhythmically with breathing, at any time and in any place.

Breathe in God’s heart for justice and breathe out your commitment to making a positive difference.

Inhale: God, injustice feels so heavy.

Exhale: Help me as I walk your way.