Singing in harmony
Christine Colliar
August 20, 2026
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Romans 15: 1-6 (NIV-UK)
15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you ever sung in a choir? Every voice is different. Some are strong, some quiet. Some carry the melody while others sing the harmony. No one voice is enough on its own. The music only comes alive when people stop trying to out-sing one another and start listening.
Paul knew that churches could be full of disagreement. Some believers felt strong in their faith. Others were uncertain. Instead of telling one side to win the argument, he urged them to bear with one another, to encourage one another, and to build one another up.
Perhaps harmony begins there — not with everyone singing the same note, but with people learning to listen, to make room for one another, and together finding a song that is greater than any one voice.
Prayer:
Lord,
when voices clash,
teach us to listen.
Where anger drowns out compassion,
let gentleness be heard again.
Where fear has built walls,
open a door.
Where words have wounded,
give us the courage
to speak with kindness
and to hear with grace.
Breathe your peace
into places of conflict,
until enemies become neighbours,
strangers become friends,
and together
we learn to glorify you
with one voice.
Amen
What can I do? Write a prayer for dialogue between hostile groups that you know about in your community or church.
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