We Pray For America!
- Loving Through Differences
Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:19
There are over 200 denominations of Christianity in the U.S. today. Realizing this, it is no surprise that there are differences of opinion between those who call themselves “Christians,” particularly around matters the Bible does not address. The early church in Rome struggled with this issue, though their differences at the time were between just two groups: the Jews and the Gentiles. Nevertheless, Paul’s words in today’s verse are just as applicable to today’s churches.
In Romans 14, Paul outlines two major standards that all Christians should follow when interacting with each other. The first is that they should avoid judging believers with differing opinions. The second is that they should not pressure another believer into sin by going against their own conscience. This does not mean that all opinions are equally valid. Christians do not need to go against their own beliefs to please others, and obvious sin in a fellow believer should be pointed out in love.
The bottom line for Paul is love first. It is possible for Christians to have differing points of view about certain matters of daily life, while still following God’s command to love each other. In a time in U.S. history where division is everywhere, what a great opportunity for the Church – with its hundreds of denominations – to serve as an example of love and peace despite differences! Pray Paul’s words over the nation today, that the Lord would draw the hearts of legislators and citizens to focus on, abide in, and act with His love.
Today’s Verse: Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 4:11-21
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
TODAY’S NATIONAL LEADER FOR PRAYER
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- Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina
Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina
- Born – September 1966 in Washington, D.C.
- Education – B.A., Dartmouth College; M.P.P, J.D., Harvard University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Attorney, politician
- Political Experience – Attorney General of North Carolina, North Carolina Senate
- In office since – 2025
- Family – Married to Anna, 3 children
- Religious Affiliation – Jewish
- Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina
CONTINUE PRAYING WITH US
Read the Daily Prayer Briefing to view the president’s schedule and to pray for the day’s current events.
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