Romans 14:19 Devotional on Grace in Friendships

Grace for Summer Friendships
Your Nightly Prayer

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." - Romans 14:19

SOMETHING TO PONDER

As seasons change, both literally and figuratively, navigating shifts in friendships due to time and schedules can be difficult. It’s not like we don’t want to see our people, but schedule shifts can simply make it more difficult. It doesn’t change the love we have for our community. I learned this early on in motherhood, and now, as my children have gotten older, it is much easier for me to extend grace to those we do not see regularly.

We see in scripture that there was much grace, along with accountability, extended in friendships. I’m sure there were long stretches (much longer than we often endure) when friends couldn't connect due to distance, national turmoil, or illness. Yet, we see how vitally important it was to keep friendships intact. In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5, we see Paul making a point to express his heart for his people and for those with whom he labored in the faith.

“But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain."

Paul valued people immensely, whether he was addressing those he ministered to or his friends. He loved them like Christ loved the church, and he showed grace in a way that calls us to all lead with love and compassion when dealing with those around us. Men and women handle friendships very differently. Women can quickly become hurt or offended because they perceive someone has forgotten about them!

I’ll never forget when the women I’d been in Bible study with, who were a few seasons ahead of me, all had kids headed into school age. Once their children made the turn, they all got involved with new school-aged families, and I felt overlooked. But the truth is, they were not overlooking me; their season changed. Their schedules shifted, and our seasons looked different.

Scripture calls us to care for our people well. To extend grace and lead with compassion, and aim for peace. To always think the best of each other and mitigate issues when needed. Friendship is a gift from God, and He has given us great examples through the written word on how to be a friend who lives and loves like Jesus.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Help me to be a friend who leads and loves with compassion. I pray to be a friend who extends grace when needed and understands that shifting schedules do not negate a friend's love for me. Holy Spirit, give me the boldness to speak the truth in love when needed and to always aim for peace in conflict. Help me be the friend you’ve called and created me to be.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

What kind of friend was Jesus?
Am I one who shies away from conflict resolution in friendship?
How can I extend grace better in friendships?

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.

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