Harmony

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:5 (NLT)

If we have any patience about us, it is a gift of God. Elsewhere, Paul talks about people who have a form of godliness, but who deny its power. This would include people who may be patient, but who don't give God the glory for their giftedness in patience.

Likewise with patience when it comes to encouragement. God wants us to be encouraged. Discouragement isn't from Him.

God wants us to live in complete harmony with each other. That's why Paul pleaded with two women in the Philippian church to agree with one another in the Lord. Often it's simply a case of recognising that we have different gifts and callings to one another.

If we're followers of Christ, there should be lots of unity. Yet there should be respect of our diversity too: we're not a cult. The word harmony brings to mind lots of notes/people that are different but which/who complement each other.

'God, please give us patience, encouragement, and help us to live in harmony with one another. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray, amen'

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