ROMANS 12
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.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 itto 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 12:9-21
ROMANS 12 DILIGENT PURSUIT OF LOVING ONE ANOTHER
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As children of God, we are called for a life of loving
We ought to hate evil and have a desire for serving
Let us love one another with brotherly affection
Let us not fail to endure and be patient in tribulation
Pray unceasingly at all times and on every occasion
Be sensitive to each believer’s needs and burdens
Don’t think highly of yourself, but be humble
Help others in their weaknesses so they won’t stumble.
In this account, Paul instructs the Roman church to outdo one another in showing honor. What does this look like in our world today? We live in a society where many people advocate for “performance.” In this letter, Paul challenges the believers to diligently pursue loving relationships with the body of Christ. He advised the believers to have a love that is not like the world gives. It is a love that is like brotherly affection. That we belong to each other just like we belong to God. He calls us to perform not in terms of the world’s competitiveness for perfection, but in growing our faith through our loving relationships with one another.
In verse 11, he challenges us not to be idle and lazy in our pursuit of serving one another in Christ. There are many distractions that can actually derail us from seeking spiritual things rather than pursuing worldly matters. Paul invites each believer to be accountable and responsible for one another by taking care of each others’ burdens and needs. He calls us to be hospitable and deeply getting involved in each other’s lives so that we can exercise all the gifts God has given us and thereby glorifying the Lord himself. He also cautions us never to avenge ourselves. Instead, we need to leave it to God to do so for us.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think diligence is very important in pursuing loving relationships?
