Harmony

Pelicans over Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA

 

So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue 

what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding,

edification and development of one another.  

Romans 14:19 (AMP)

May God who gives this patience and encouragement,

help you live in complete harmony with each other –

each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.

Romans 15:5 (NLT)

One of the many things I enjoy about the beach is watching the Pelicans soaring over the water.  Yesterday, a large group hovered over my head for sometime seemingly having a conference to decide who was going to be the leader this time. Then they took off, one out ahead and the others falling into a V behind. 

Watching these creatures of the sky working together in harmony reminds me of the kind of life God has in mind for us. Harmony is created only by each one of us having the attitude of Christ who did not seek to please himself, but bore all of our weaknesses and failings. We, also, are called upon to accept each other with patient endurance.

We are only human and often fall into doubts and fears.  The scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for the fulfillment of his perfect ways, but right now we are faced with an imperfect world and we are imperfect people who need the support and encouragement of others as we deal with all of our shortcomings, faults, weaknesses, doubts and fears.  

Since our natural inclination is to correct or to judge and our patience often runs thin, we must call on him for we cannot manufacture the attitude of Christ in our own strength.  Realizing that only God has enough wisdom and understanding to judge, our job is only to accept and encourage.  It comes only from his life within us.

So accept each other as Christ has accepted you.  Romans15:7 (NLT)

Let each one of us make it a practice to please his neighbor

for his good and for his true welfare,

to edify him, to strengthen him and build him up spiritually.

Romans 15:2 (AMP)