
The Verse of the Day for September 22, 2019 offers this reminder of how we should behave toward fellow-believers:
Romans 15:7 (NIV)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
The New Living Translation puts it this way:
So, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.
The J.B. Phillips Translation offers this rendering:
So, open your hearts to one another as Christ has opened his heart to you, and God will be glorified.
In the Scriptures we find seven principles expressed as verbs which connote action specifically applied in terms of what should be done to “one another.” Here is a poetic summary of those principles:
We must learn to value and enhance relationships,
As we ever strive to nurture and to maintain them.
Within the One Body, with each sister and brother
As we love, honor, forgive and encourage each other,
We must admonish, serve, and make peace with one another.
To apply these seven principles, believers must apply the overarching principle expressed in Romans 15:7 and that is to “receive one another” that our lives may glorify God, our Father. His desire is that His children remain fruitful and bring glory to Him. Similarly, our desire is to give glory and honor to God by the way we choose to live. As believers, our heart’s desire is expressed in these lyrics:
Let our lives bring praise to you Lord, so the world will know that we are Yours.
Let our heart and soul sing of Your goodness.
May we proclaim each day new mercies and Your faithfulness.
As we apply Your Word and consider our ways,
May we praise Your name all our daysLet our lives bring praise to you Lord, so the world will know that we are Yours.
When we arise in the morning, we greet You.
With the dawning of a new day we rise to meet You.
When we begin with praise, somehow, we always find
Throughout the day You are on our mind.
Let our lives bring praise to you Lord, so the world will know that we are Yours.
The Verse of the Day also reminds us of the first principle: “love one another.” Each day we receive or accept one another, as we decide to demonstrate, freely give, and practice love: the first thread whereby we must initiate all relationships and follow Christ’s command that we love one another. The Lord further explains in
John 13:35 (New Living Translation)
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Michael W. Smith offers comments and a spirited rendition of a “Love One Another.”