Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 28, 2024
Romans 12:9-21
9 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! 12 Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. 14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. 16 Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. 17 Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. 18 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. 19 Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written: Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. 20 Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. 21 Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.
Good Morning! It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
Fred Rogers was an amazing man. I admit that I wasn’t an avid follower of his TV show, but what I have learned about it and him in the last twenty years makes me wish I had spent more time watching him. His iconic sweater and gentle manner symbolized the kindness that he preached. I came to know him better through the films that have depicted his life.
When I read today’s passage, his smile and assurance came to me. He taught children to love without pretending and to defeat evil with good. He did this through the use of puppets and sharing stories of those having struggles. He also taught us to welcome strangers in our homes as he introduced different people and characters on the show's set. Mr. Rogers treated everyone as equals, including the puppets, as he listened and valued the story they had to tell.
In a world with so much distrust and hate, it’s time to invite others to be our neighbors and to show them the love that God shows us daily.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. You place teachers and angels among us so that we learn new ways to honor one another. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Strive to Honor God
Won’t you be my neighbor! Pastor Liz