STANDARD LESSON RESOURCES
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026
February 24
The Game
"Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Romans 15:7)
Scripture: Romans 15:1-17
Song: "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love"
My dad and I were watching the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game - a rivalry so infamous that it is often referred to called "The Game." Unfortunately, we were rooting for opposing teams, and things got tense when his team was not performing well. Needless to say, he was not in the best mood.
Besides being a fan of the opposing football team, my dad was also an unbeliever, and I passionately longed to influence him for Christ. But that day my passion was unbridled. It was surely not the time for me to throw my "yellow flag" to call a penalty. But I did, And, though I was able to ignore a few chose expletives, when he angrily misused the Lord's name, I called him on it. He was livid.
Had I been more mature in my faith, I might have remembered that "gentleness and respect" are more impactful for Christ than condemnation or criticism - perhaps especially so toward unbelievers. And today's passage from Romans reminds me that accepting others as God accepted me is an offering of praise. Yes, I was passionate about wanting my dad to know Christ, but I could have relied more on Him and less on my own emotion. As a result, instead of scoring a touchdown for God's team, I fumbled.
Father, thank You for graciously accepting me, failures and all. Instead of criticizing others, my I honor You by accepting them in love and being sensitive to their needs. Only You can change hearts - including mine. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026
February 24
The Game
"Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Romans 15:7)
Scripture: Romans 15:1-17
Song: "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love"
My dad and I were watching the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game - a rivalry so infamous that it is often referred to called "The Game." Unfortunately, we were rooting for opposing teams, and things got tense when his team was not performing well. Needless to say, he was not in the best mood.
Besides being a fan of the opposing football team, my dad was also an unbeliever, and I passionately longed to influence him for Christ. But that day my passion was unbridled. It was surely not the time for me to throw my "yellow flag" to call a penalty. But I did, And, though I was able to ignore a few chose expletives, when he angrily misused the Lord's name, I called him on it. He was livid.
Had I been more mature in my faith, I might have remembered that "gentleness and respect" are more impactful for Christ than condemnation or criticism - perhaps especially so toward unbelievers. And today's passage from Romans reminds me that accepting others as God accepted me is an offering of praise. Yes, I was passionate about wanting my dad to know Christ, but I could have relied more on Him and less on my own emotion. As a result, instead of scoring a touchdown for God's team, I fumbled.
Father, thank You for graciously accepting me, failures and all. Instead of criticizing others, my I honor You by accepting them in love and being sensitive to their needs. Only You can change hearts - including mine. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
STANDARD LESSON RESOURCES
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026
February 24
The Game
"Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Romans 15:7)
Scripture: Romans 15:1-17
Song: "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love"
My dad and I were watching the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game - a rivalry so infamous that it is often referred to called "The Game." Unfortunately, we were rooting for opposing teams, and things got tense when his team was not performing well. Needless to say, he was not in the best mood.
Besides being a fan of the opposing football team, my dad was also an unbeliever, and I passionately longed to influence him for Christ. But that day my passion was unbridled. It was surely not the time for me to throw my "yellow flag" to call a penalty. But I did, And, though I was able to ignore a few chose expletives, when he angrily misused the Lord's name, I called him on it. He was livid.
Had I been more mature in my faith, I might have remembered that "gentleness and respect" are more impactful for Christ than condemnation or criticism - perhaps especially so toward unbelievers. And today's passage from Romans reminds me that accepting others as God accepted me is an offering of praise. Yes, I was passionate about wanting my dad to know Christ, but I could have relied more on Him and less on my own emotion. As a result, instead of scoring a touchdown for God's team, I fumbled.
Father, thank You for graciously accepting me, failures and all. Instead of criticizing others, my I honor You by accepting them in love and being sensitive to their needs. Only You can change hearts - including mine. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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