
More Than Putting Up with It
Read: Romans 15:1-13; 2 Corinthians 8:9 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak. (Rom. 15:1 NRSV) As a pastor I once asked a
Do you long for deeper unity in your church, but feel overwhelmed by division, disagreement, or differences?
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we often focus on the powerful theology of grace and salvation found in the first half, but the second half of the letter reveals something just as essential: a vision for a church united across ethnic, cultural, and social divides. This devotional series explores that vision by reading the second half of Romans in reverse, starting with the conclusion and working back through Paul’s practical, pastoral wisdom.
By reading Romans “back to front,” we uncover the everyday realities of the Roman house churches—diverse, messy, and deeply human. Paul writes not to an abstract audience but to real people: Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women, weak and strong. He invites them—and us—into a gospel-shaped community, where grace is not only believed, but lived.
Each day offers insights into how Christians from different backgrounds can grow in love, humility, and mutual respect. You’ll reflect on themes like spiritual gifts, reconciliation, peace, and the danger of pride. And you’ll be reminded that the gospel doesn’t erase our differences—it redeems them into a beautiful, unified body.
In a time when polarization can seep into our churches, Paul’s vision still speaks clearly: welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you.
Let this devotional draw you into a deeper understanding of Romans and a renewed commitment to unity in Christ—across generations, cultures, and convictions.

Read: Romans 15:1-13; 2 Corinthians 8:9 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak. (Rom. 15:1 NRSV) As a pastor I once asked a

Read: Romans 15:14-24; Ephesians 6:19-20 On some points I have written to you very boldly. (Rom. 15:15) In a letter, Protestant Reformer Martin Luther wrote, “Sin greatly, but believe still

Read: Romans 15:25-29; Acts 19:21-22 If the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they also ought to be of service to them in material blessings. (Rom. 15:27)

Read: Romans 15:30-33; 16:25-27 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (15:33) Some of my most powerful times in Christian community have been experiencing “the God of

Read: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:13-16 Be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (Rom. 12:2) Japanese is often spoken assuming the subject of the sentence: “Take lunch?” Japanese may

Read: Romans 12:3-8; Matthew 5:5 . . . not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. (Rom. 12:3) When I grew up, the most important superhero

Read: Romans 12:9-13; 1 Peter 1:22 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Rom. 12:9) Just before what promised to be a challenging

Read: Romans 12:14-21; Matthew 5:38-42 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Rom. 12:18) When I have had a broken relationship and have been

Read: Romans 13:1-7; Galatians 1:13-14 For because of this you also pay taxes. (Rom. 13:6) I have a colleague who says that April 15th is more important to him than
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.