meditating on Romans 12:9-21 (part 9)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)

Hi gals. This has been a blessed time discussing Romans 12 and the guidance God gives for us to commit our ways to match our new life in Jesus Christ! Today we will be finishing up our study and reflecting on the sacrificial heart of being Christ-like, beginning in verse 17.

15. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. According to God's word, we are to strive to live in harmony with one another. This can be difficult because our sinful nature is always looking out for "self". But scripture tells us to be sympathetic and love others as family. The only way to do this is to ask God to lead us with the compassion and humility of Jesus. We are not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult. That is not how God works. No, we are called to ALWAYS be a blessing to others in His Name and represent Him void of the sin that once consumed us. For now, we are consumed with Jesus. And by following His way, we will be a blessing to others as well as receive blessings from Him beyond all measure.

To sincerely love in our new life, we must be diligent to submit our words and deeds over to the Holy Spirit and keep our tongues from evil and our lips from deceitful speech. We must make a point to always promote the peace of heaven. This is our pursuit, ladies: love and peace in Jesus Name! When we meet opposition, we are not to fear them or take on vengence against them. No. That is the old man trying to assume God's role. But we are no longer old. We are NEW NEW NEW and set apart in His Name. He will handle all matters for us as we walk prayerfully in faith and obedience.

With the Spirit's guidance, we must always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks about our eternal hope in Christ. And when we do so, we must be gentle and respectful. Sure, we will likely be mocked and ridiculed by the world. We will be unfairly treated and scoffed at for our faith. Why? Because those who reject Jesus will reject us. But our purpose is not to attack the lost who deny Him... our purpose is to glorify God so that more may know Him. So ladies, I encourage you to keep a clear conscience and always choose what is right. This way, those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. No matter what... let's strive to do His good! God is in full control and will take care of us. Obey Him and He will see you through every earthly trial.

My ongoing prayer for DW's ministry is that we will each sincerely love and encourage one another to choose God first, and follow-through by committing our ways unto the Lord every single day. We are ambassadors of the Savior and representatives of His love. I pray that this study has encouraged you to live fully devoted to His perfect way of life. A new life in Jesus!

Blessings!

Victoria

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