For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:17-19

This passage (and actually the whole chapter) is a great heart check for Christ followers. We really need to examine ourselves often against this, because it is so vital to the cause of Christ that we do what we can to live in harmony with one another.

It reminds me of John 13:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” If we aren’t showing love to each other than how will anyone know that we have the hope of Jesus in our lives? We are then no different than anyone else.

I think that looking at recent events in Washington, DC can show us how not to act. It seems like all we see there is fighting and bickering, but sadly that is what the world often times sees when it looks at the Church. How are we any different? How are we showing them that we are Christ followers?

When I read things like what Paul wrote here to the church in Rome it reminds me that I need to check my heart and make sure that I am doing all that I can to live in peace and harmony with my fellow Christ followers. So instead of picking up the rocks or clenching my fists I need to pause and realize that if it weren’t for God’s grace I wouldn’t be able to be where I am. I would rather share His grace and love with others.

That is my mission.