TCM Devotions: Learning from Jesus

Verse: Romans 12:16 (NLT)
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! – 

Devotion:
In relationships, especially in relationships we have with our program participants, we should always aim to live in harmony with each other. In order to do that, we each must readily adjust ourselves to other people. This isn’t always easy to do, but the God’s grace is always there to help us. Oftentimes we don’t take the time to process why challenges come up in our relationships – we are too quick to judge.

Selfishness has no place in healthy relationships, but the harmony will come when we begin to put others above ourselves. This is one of the characteristics of Jesus. The Bible is filled with many examples teaching us how to handle our relationships. It is important for us to learn from the best Teacher; the Holy Spirit. It is impossible for us to love God, whom we can’t physically see, if we do not love those who are with us daily.

God has made it possible to do what seems impossible, even when we are in a difficult place. One important lesson the Holy Spirit can teach us is to seek peace and pursue it. In order to do that, it takes work on our end.

Thought:
When compromise or sacrifice is necessary, offer it graciously rather than requiring it of the other person.

TCM Devotions: Living in Harmony

Verse: Philippians 2: 2-5 
“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”

Devotion:
Living in harmony with one another does not mean that we should try to force our ways on one another so that we are all the same. The community that is presented in Philippians 2:2-5 is not forced but reflects different people coming together and sharing in the same vision and love. God has gifted us all in different ways and He can orchestrate all of our different abilities together to do many things. The greatness of God, God’s love for us and God’s presence in our lives are some things that we can all celebrate with one another but we can also celebrate how God has given us different gifts and abilities. When we allow God to take the lead it not only allows us to be in harmony with one another but also to be in harmony with God’s plan for us and God’s plan for the people around us.

Thought:
What mindset did Jesus have in his relationships with the people around him? How do you see God using you and other people within your community?