Listen

Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.

Romans 12:13-17

Think

Do you like music? I love it! Music gives me peace in my nervous moments. It allows me to worship God and to lead other people to feel God’s presence in their lives. One of the things I like the most is the combination of tones. It fascinates me to hear the mix of voices in choirs and in musical groups. Musical harmony makes me happy and connects me to God in indescribable ways.

When Paul speaks to the church in Rome about living in harmony with one another, I imagine all the rehearsals and effort that a choir must make to sound in harmony. Harmony is not something that comes automatically. You have to rehearse, follow the notes, and know at what volume to sing so as not to overshadow the other voices. Intentionality is the order of the day so that there can be harmony. The practical advice found in this passage for Christian life in community also invites us to intentionality. This is the great invitation of the Great Composer. Join the choir and this world can be a better place.

Marissa Galván-Valle

Question to Ponder:

How can you contribute to harmony in your church, in your community, in your city, and in your country and help others feel God’s presence in their lives?

Pray

O Great Composer, thank you for the gift of music that allows us to worship you and find peace.
Help me to live in harmony with the people around me, following your guidance, and always seeking the welfare of my community. May my actions reflect your love and may we, in collaboration with others, help the world hear your song.

Amen.

Go

Always return to your point of origin: God. Inhale for a count of four. Hold that air inside your being for four seconds. Exhale for a count of four. Every time you breathe, remember that God is in every breath.