ROMANS 12
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12: 14-21
ROMANS 12 BE HUMBLE & NOT WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Jesus sampled to us what it looks like to be humble
It is to be other-centered rather than self-centered
It is not partial to the simple-minded, poor and lowly
He is interested in others and never proud and haughty
He pursues peace at all cost and aim to live with others in love
He does not avenge the wrong done to him but leaves it all to God
The humble does not think highly of himself or elevates his ego
He does not boast but shares his knowledge to build others.
In this account, Paul gives us an illustration of how the believer can be humble. Here are some of his instructions to them:
- Bless those who maltreat you and do not curse them
- Rejoice with those who are suffering and also those who are joyful
- Live harmoniously with others and do not be quick to react
- Do not boast, but especially associate with the poor and lowly
- Don’t think highly of yourself or boast about your knowledge or achievements
- Be genuinely interested in others to starve your ego
- Do not avenge anything wrong done to you, instead pray for them and leave vengeance to God
- Be honest and think and do only what is honorable and true and what builds others up
- Pursue peace at all cost and guard your heart and mind and mouth
- Do not be quick to anger or react because that shows your ego being triggered and you are catering to your flesh
- Love your enemies and attend to their needs
- Respond with good deeds when someone is wicked to you.
Looks like we only need to focus on what Jesus Christ sampled for us so we can live a humble life.
REFLECTION
- Among the instructions to be humble Paul gave us, which one are you struggling the most?
