Each year young people in our community participate in a “Be Nice” campaign led by a mental health organisation. In one of the events in 2012, 6,000 students spelled out the words “BE NICE” with their bodies on their schools’ sports fields. One head teacher said, “We want students to come to school and learn without the distraction of fear or sadness or uneasiness around their peers. We are working hard to make sure students are lifting each other up, rather than tearing each other down.”

Paul desired that the people in the church at Rome would have an even higher standard of love. Both the strong and weak in the faith were judging and showing contempt for each other (Rom. 14:1-12). They judged one another as they argued about what foods were okay to eat (vv.2-3) and what holidays they should observe (vv.5-6). Paul challenged them: “Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may [encourage] another” (v.19). He reminded them that they should be concerned with pleasing others and not pleasing themselves. He said, “Even Christ did not please Himself” (15:3); He served.

Join the campaign that loves others despite our differences—you’ll bring praise to God (v.7).

Author

Anne Cetas

Topics

Our Daily Bread