Our responsibilites with our spiritual family

"Make every effort!" That's quite a challenge. But notice where that exertion is to be focused: peace and mutual edification. Both sides of this exhortation are two way responsibilities. I must pursue and share peace if I am going to have it myself. I must edify, and be open to being edified, if mutual edification is going to happen. In other words, we live with other people in God's family. He wants us to be responsible for making relationships work in our spiritual family. He reminds us it will require strenuous effort. But, isn't that true in every family relationship? Love means sacrifice, effort, and concern for others. When we share our love willingly, however, we're much more likely to see it coming back to us!

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

— Romans 14:19

Dear Lord, forgive us for our impatience and selfishness. Defeat the bad attitude of competitiveness that we often display in arguments and disagreements with others in your family. Energize us by your Spirit to see areas where we can be a blessing and an encouragement to others. In Jesus' name. Amen