Romans 15:1-5

 1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please
ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those
who insult you have fallen on me.” 4For everything that was written in the past
was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the
Scriptures we might have hope.
 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity
among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth
you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Meditation
1. Paul specifies that we are to help others in areas where we are strong and able in the faith.
2. Recall the people who have stepped in and built me up, even if I don’t
remember the specific details.  Thank God for these people.
3. What are some areas in which I have received training, direction, or guidance?
What are some of my natural gifts and strengths?  Who do I know that are in
need that I can lend a helping hand?

Personal Note:
I thank God for the leaders in PGC (Ken, Cecil, Rev. Siu, and many others) for their training, direction, and guidance.  I believe my natural gift is small group discipleship and personal care.  I believe that there is a need for guidance and direction for young people spiritually.  I am strong only when I submit myself to the power of the Lord.

Romans 14:6-13

6He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats
to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord
and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies
to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.
So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
 9For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the
Lord of both the dead and the living. 10You, then, why do you judge your brother?
Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s
judgment seat. 11It is written:
“ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
 every tongue will confess to God.’ “ 12So then, each of us will give an account of
himself to God.
 13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your
mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Meditation
1. In the church community, everyone lives entirely on the forgiveness and grace
of God.  Therefore, to constantly making comments on what we disapprove of
or dislike in one another is outrageous. Criticisms and gossips are detrimental
to the church community.  Every judgmental word out of our mouths violates
an eternal soul for whom Christ died.
2. Have I seen a fellowship being destroyed by judgmental criticisms and
gossip?  Try this month to speak words of encouragement and hope that
build community at every possible opportunity.

Personal Note:
It is easy to pass judgement and look down on others.  It seems that the society in general looks down and pass judgement on young people.  I am reminded here that even though some of them may be irresponsible at times, they will stand before God's judgement seat and will give an account of themselves to God.  This goes the same for me and I wouldn't like to be judged either.

Starting in the new year, let's speak words of encouragement and hope to one another in Crossroad.