DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
NOVEMBER 1, 2026
READ: Romans 12(Focus) vs. 16-21
MEMORY VERSE
“As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18*
BACKGROUND
Where were the packages? An inner-city church was having problems receiving deliveries. Although its office staff requested that online orders be dropped off inside the building, the goods were regularly left outside on the street, and some items were never received.
Church workers were understandably vexed, but instead of griping on the company’s customer service hotline, the church’s employees created a snack station inside the building and invited the delivery people to stop in for food and water.
Before long, packages began to show up at the right place at the right time, and the church was able to “deliver” a message to the couriers: We care about you as people, not just service providers.
Often, we can change distressing situations through kindness. Although our natural response might be to find fault and hold on to anger, the apostle Paul challenges us to let God’s goodness radiate through us, even when we feel it’s undeserved.
Through the Holy Spirit’s power and with His wisdom, we can show kindness by being hospitable, thoughtful, and helpful (Romans 12:13-14).
Even if this seems ineffective, we know it pleases God because the Bible encourages us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (v. 18).
Jennifer Benson Schuldt
INSIGHT
After explaining what the gospel is—the good news that God loved the world and gave His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins (Romans 1-11)—Paul applies it to everyday living, instructing believers in Christ how to live a holy life that pleases God (chs. 12-16).
The clearest indication of a renewed mind and transformed life (12:1-2) is having “sincere” love for others (v. 9), demonstrated when we “love [our] neighbor as [ourselves]” (Mark 12:31; see Romans 13:8-10; 14:15).
It’s easy to love those who love us. But to “bless those who persecute [us]” (12:14) is the litmus test of such a Christlike love (vv. 14-21). Rather than responding in anger or retaliation when we’re wronged, we can commit the situation to God. He’ll help us replace our anger with kindness and goodness (v. 20).
In this way, we “don’t let evil conquer [us], but conquer evil by doing good” (v. 21 nlt).
*K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
When was the last time you traded anger for love? How might caring for others show the world God’s true nature?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“The clearest indication of a renewed mind and transformed life… is having “sincere” love for others…demonstrated when we “love [our] neighbor as [ourselves]” It’s easy to love those who love us. But to “bless those who persecute [us]”…is the litmus test of such a Christlike love.”
PR’s TAKE
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
“Small everyday acts of kindness, patience and active listening build, lasting bonds” Anonymous
PRAYER
“Dear God, You’ve been so kind to me. Please show me how to change my corner of the world by passing Your love on to others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE”
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
All in my family, I’m gonna let it shine
All in my family, I’m gonna let it shine
All in my family, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
All in my neighborhood, I’m gonna let it shine
All in my neighborhood, I’m gonna let it shine
All in my neighborhood, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine…
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…
