STANDARD LESSON RESOURCES
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026
February 15
Putting Differences Aside
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8)
Scripture: Romans 14:4-8
Song: "Let There Be Peace On Earth"
A few years ago, a picture of a dress went viral online, and a debate ensued about whether the dress was gray or blue. People argued vigorously on either side of the debate, sure that how they saw it was the correct way.
In this passage of Romans, Paul is admonishing the church to stop arguing about unimportant issues, like what they eat or what day they set apart. He emphasizes that what is important is that we practice our convictions in a way that honors God, remembering that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Paul's point is that we should accept each other even when we don't agree. We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and one way to produce peace is by respecting our differences. When our desire to honor others is more important than our desire to be right, we become instruments of peace. How desperately our world needs peacemakers right now!
Ask God to show you anyone you have not accepted because of a difference of opinion. Seek reconciliation if possible and agree to put your differences aside so you can focus on the work of building God's Kingdom.
Father, forgive me for having a hard heart. Help me to put aside differences and to love others unconditionally. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026
February 15
Putting Differences Aside
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8)
Scripture: Romans 14:4-8
Song: "Let There Be Peace On Earth"
A few years ago, a picture of a dress went viral online, and a debate ensued about whether the dress was gray or blue. People argued vigorously on either side of the debate, sure that how they saw it was the correct way.
In this passage of Romans, Paul is admonishing the church to stop arguing about unimportant issues, like what they eat or what day they set apart. He emphasizes that what is important is that we practice our convictions in a way that honors God, remembering that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Paul's point is that we should accept each other even when we don't agree. We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and one way to produce peace is by respecting our differences. When our desire to honor others is more important than our desire to be right, we become instruments of peace. How desperately our world needs peacemakers right now!
Ask God to show you anyone you have not accepted because of a difference of opinion. Seek reconciliation if possible and agree to put your differences aside so you can focus on the work of building God's Kingdom.
Father, forgive me for having a hard heart. Help me to put aside differences and to love others unconditionally. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
STANDARD LESSON RESOURCES
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026
February 15
Putting Differences Aside
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8)
Scripture: Romans 14:4-8
Song: "Let There Be Peace On Earth"
A few years ago, a picture of a dress went viral online, and a debate ensued about whether the dress was gray or blue. People argued vigorously on either side of the debate, sure that how they saw it was the correct way.
In this passage of Romans, Paul is admonishing the church to stop arguing about unimportant issues, like what they eat or what day they set apart. He emphasizes that what is important is that we practice our convictions in a way that honors God, remembering that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Paul's point is that we should accept each other even when we don't agree. We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and one way to produce peace is by respecting our differences. When our desire to honor others is more important than our desire to be right, we become instruments of peace. How desperately our world needs peacemakers right now!
Ask God to show you anyone you have not accepted because of a difference of opinion. Seek reconciliation if possible and agree to put your differences aside so you can focus on the work of building God's Kingdom.
Father, forgive me for having a hard heart. Help me to put aside differences and to love others unconditionally. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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