Devotionals for November 30, 2023
Save the date! Our next TNLC Winter Formal will be on Saturday, January 20th!
READ
ROMANS 12:3-8
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
REFLECT
The heart of this passage is the fact that “each member belongs to all the others.” This is the beauty of the church and serving in the Body of Christ. Though we are diverse physically and spiritually, we get to serve God and each other in a variety of beautiful ways. But if we think too highly of ourselves, then we will be less likely to sacrifice for others. Jesus modeled the Christian life perfectly, and it’s our delight and honor to partake in living that out together.
APPLY
Q: Why do you think Paul uses the metaphor of a “body” when talking about the church?
Q: Do you see yourself as a necessary and beautiful part of the body of Christ? If not, what may be hindering that right now?
Q: Who needs your presence and gifts right now? How can you be Jesus to others?
Q: Do you see yourself as a necessary and beautiful part of the body of Christ? If not, what may be hindering that right now?
Q: Who needs your presence and gifts right now? How can you be Jesus to others?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for hoarding my gifts and putting myself first. Soften my heart and increase my love of others. Help me to let go of how others have hurt me, so I can live in your freedom. Help me to be a delight to others through your power. Amen.
Lord, forgive me for hoarding my gifts and putting myself first. Soften my heart and increase my love of others. Help me to let go of how others have hurt me, so I can live in your freedom. Help me to be a delight to others through your power. Amen.