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
Dear Ones: Endurance and Encouragement! That is what we need today. The enemy comes to separate people according to gender, race, ideologies, and even sports teams. But the Lord calls us to live in harmony with one another, especially those who are Christians.
This verse is part of Paul’s closing of his letter to the Roman Christians. They were experiencing very hard times living under the rule of Nero. They had to meet in the catacombs for fear of being arrested. Remember, Christians were fed to the lions under Roman rule. Nero blamed the Christians for the fire he set that burned most of Rome. But with all of these things they were living through, Paul prayed that God would give them endurance and encouragement even in the face of persecution.
People are people, no matter whether they are believers or not. It is a freewill decision to follow the Lord’s command to live in harmony with the brethren. Harmony does not mean agreeing to the nth degree on everything, but recognizing a person’s right to their opinions. On the day of His betrayal the Lord issued the following commandment in John 13:34-35, NKJV. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Let endurance and encouragement work in your heart so that you can follow the Lord’s commands. When you follow His commands, you demonstrate your love for Him. Blessings are released that are far beyond what you can imagine. He is able to make you prosper even in the hard times because He is GOD! Have an overcoming and encouraging day. I bless you in Jesus’ name.