A Beautiful Song

Don't just pretend that you love others; really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God's children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don't curse him; pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don't try to act big. Don't try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don't think you know it all!

Romans 12: 9-16 (TLB)

Growing up Zach Schaar, from Ohio, loved to play the guitar. While playing an instrument came easily to Zach, singing did not. Zach remembers enrolling in classes with a vocal coach and attempting to learn the art of singing. Every week as the instructor plucked away at notes on the piano, she challenged Zach's voice as she made her way up and down the keys. Zach longed for her words of affirmation saying, "There you go, you got every note in that octave!" And he dreaded to hear, "you are flat," or "You are sharp." Learning to sing was a challenging process. It not only forced Zach out of his comfort zone but also required constant practice. His voice had to become versatile to adapt to the songs Zach was singing.

In Romans, Paul tells us to live in harmony with one another. However, this is not always easy to do. When Zach thinks of all the people he has encountered over the years, there are some he has found extremely difficult to harmonize with. But as Christians that is exactly what we're called to do - to love others even when it seems impossible.

Today Zach is asking God to help him to love others regardless of how difficult it may be. With a humble heart, he will repay unkindness with love, desiring to please God with a harmonious song.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to love those who don't always seem to love us, in Jesus' name. Amen.