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So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12).

Over the years, I’ve heard and used different variations of this phrase: “You can’t control how other people respond. You can only manage...“ and then I complete the statement with something like: “your own behavior”, “your reaction”, “your engagement.”  You get the picture.

Right smack dab in the middle of Romans 14, Paul says that “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Now, when I read that, I immediately picture myself standing before God watching the movie of my life and reliving everything. Everything...E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. I cringe!

I wonder if Paul has in mind something more specific in this passage. Since he’s been writing about how the community can remain together in the midst of disagreements and disputes, perhaps Paul is including this note to remind us that God cares about how we contribute to unity in the midst of disagreements. That we are accountable for how we love deeply, even while disagreeing deeply. 

Let me be clear: We give account to God for our work towards or against unity in the face of disagreement. 

We give account for every time we thought the best of the other person along with every time we belittled and dismissed. 

I’m comforted that God, in his mercy, not only forgives us for the ways we’ve sinned by working against unity, but also gives us another day on this earth to practice the kind of deep love that preserves unity in the midst of deep disagreements. 

Today, how will you practice that kind of love? Allow me to add two suggestions from Paul’s writing: one thing to stop and one to do.

The thing to stop: Paul warns us more than once against contempt: thinking that others are beneath us. This is particularly easy to fall into in a time when “the other side” is constantly vilified. Examine your heart, resist the temptation to think of others as “less than” because you disagree.

And the thing to do: In verse 19, Paul tells us to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” That’s a tall order! We can start by making an effort this week to do something that finds common ground and helps grow a relationship with someone we disagree with. 

Today’s Prayer Prompts:

Ask God to show you how you’ve contributed, whether exceptionally or poorly, to loving unity even when there’s disagreement. An example of an exceptional response might be the way you looked hard for and found the common ground with someone which defused a potentially tense conversation. A poor response might be that time you rolled your eyes and said “I can’t believe you think that!” to a friend who was earnestly sharing their perspective.  Spend some time now listening for what He might reveal. It might prompt you to celebration, repentance, or both. Respond in prayer accordingly.

Take a moment now to pray that God gives you eyes to see those that you disagree with as beloved image bearers. Let his love for them fill your heart.

Close this time by praying that God would grant you insight into what effort to make, opportunities to take the risks accompanying those efforts, and hope that the fruit will be good. Pray for that now.