For the past thirteen weeks, we’ve looked every Friday at a verse from Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, found in the twelfth chapter of Romans. It’s been a wonderful journey for me, as I trust it has for some of you. Digging deep into scripture can be both painful and exhilarating.
I’ve definitely found it challenging, as I’ve meditated on each verse and worked on memorizing the entire passage.
It’s amazing how, when you intentionally work to live by God’s Word, opportunities quickly arise to test our efforts.
Today, I simply want to lay out the entire passage for you, along with links to each of the blog posts, to provide one more chance to focus our minds on ways to live the transformed life we claim in Christ.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in 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 the Lord’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 everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear 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.*
Please let me know if this in-depth study has encouraged or challenged you. Let me know if there are other passages you’d like me to explore. Above all, may you love sincerely as Christ first loved us.
Grace and Peace
*Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)
I’ve been encouraged and challenged by your Friday post. I love and have a growing need to dig in to scripture verse by verse. I will be spending time later today or this weekend to review your posts. I’ve really enjoyed doing this with Ephesians and Colossians. Joy to you in Jesus this day!
I’m so glad. When we dig, we find such treasures!