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Monday, February 2 — Naming the Tension

Scripture: Romans 12:9–12, 16–18

Paul doesn’t write Romans 12 to people living in harmony. He writes to communities full of tension, disagreement, and frustration. That’s why he insists that love must be “genuine”—without a mask. Real love doesn’t pretend conflict doesn’t exist.

Most of us are polite before we are loving. We smile, stay quiet, and avoid hard conversations while resentment grows under the surface. Paul challenges that kind of shallow peace. He invites believers to live truthfully and lovingly at the same time.

Naming tension is not the same as attacking someone. It means being honest—with God first—about where relationships feel strained. When we name tension instead of ignoring it, we give God room to work in us.

Living at peace “as far as it depends on you” means choosing humility and restraint even when you cannot control the outcome.

Reflection Question:
Is there a relationship where you’ve chosen silence instead of honest love?

One Practice for Today:
Name one strained relationship in prayer without trying to fix it. Simply ask God to shape your heart toward peace.

Prayer:
God, help me love honestly, not politely. Give me courage to be genuine and wisdom to seek peace without fear. Amen.