Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

14 August 2025

Reading From Romans 14

“In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”—Romans 14:5-8

The Church needs Romans 14 so much right now. As followers of Jesus we desperately need to grasp the concepts in this passage and then shine these truths as beacons to our society at large. What we need is this kind of sane, balanced, healthy, righteous relationship with Jesus and with one another.

In essentials unity, in non essentials liberty, in all things love. Let us each begin with a pure desire to honor the Lord Jesus. Next, ask the Holy Spirit to light up the Scriptures, giving us not only deeper understanding, but practical wisdom to live out the truths found there in our daily lives. As we ask Him to help us align our lives with His Will, we need to give others the space to do the same.

He has this masterful, marvelous way of graciously conforming each of us through our divinely created, unique personalities into the image of Jesus. This happens differently in each person’s life at different speeds. We need to have patience with one another, bear each other’s burdens, rejoice with one another, learn together and give grace freely.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your transformative grace and the freedom that comes with Your mercy. May we extend these virtues to one another. Help us to realize what’s truly important and what is negotiable. Let us love one another enough to really listen to each other, learn from each other, and move forward in faith. Make us more like You each day that we would grow in unity with each other and with You. In the loving and powerful Name of Jesus I pray these things, Amen.”

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.—Colossians 3:12-15