Do you play together well with others or are you focused on what others can do for you? Diane shares.
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15: 5-7).
Whoopee! It’s summer break!! Remember those words? Oh, how many times I said that as a child, and then as a homeschooling Mom. (Ha-ha) Do you also remember the phrase “can’t you just play nicely together?”
Yup! I heard that from my own mom and then I said it to my own children. (Aack!) The point being, what does it mean to play well together? God, being the supreme one that He is, has that answer for us.
In the verse above, God teaches us that hospitality and encouragement towards others is the perfect combination to “playing well” with one another. By doing so we are choosing to “glorify” God.
This can be difficult when dealing with illness and its effects on your body. Let’s take a moment and think of practical ways we can we can speak with “one voice” as God’s children.
A simple one like sharing a cup of coffee or iced cold lemonade with someone who God brings to mind isn’t too time consuming or energy depleting. It can, however, boost both parties moral.
The next requires a bit more energy. If physically possible, go to a doctor appointment or chemo session with someone. It may sound silly, but just think, isn’t it nice to have someone with you while you wait? Having that company can bring joy and comfort.
Lastly, how about offering a gift, just some little tid-bit, letting that person know they are loved? When possible I love to create something handmade for someone specifically. If unable, the Dollar Store can be an excellent resource. There are many ways to express the love and encouragement that Jesus freely gives us.
Yes, having a chronic illness it makes it more difficult. But making the effort to live in “harmony” just as the Father desires, is surely a worthwhile summer activity!
Prayer: Father, thank You for blessing us with Your welcoming compassion and love. Fill us each with the desire to share hospitality with others. Blessing them with the same compassion, love, and joy, that You grant us daily. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in Central Florida, she is blessed to have a wonderful husband, who is also her caregiver in illness, three grown children, one grand baby and more on the way..! She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with chronic digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art and writing. Her desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
What is one of your favorite summer time memories? What are some of the ways you have chosen to “play well” with others God has put in your path?
This is the song “Friend Like That” with Hawk Nelson. It is upbeat and the lyrics share how one will be a friend to another, no matter what the future holds. Hope it blessed you. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 