Romans 12:9-21
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil.Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21 (NKJV)
James wrote this letter to introduce himself to the Roman church. He was writing to Jewish and Gentile Christians to address internal tensions of these groups. I looked at several versions of this passage, but I was drawn to the first verse of the New King James Version. “Let love be without hypocrisy.”
I recently spent a little time on a playground watching my granddaughter Noa. We encourage children to play “nice.” Even at three and four years old, kids get that. It doesn’t mean they always do, but they know what is expected. And I truly believe they innately know what is right. It was so sweet to see them patiently wait for swings to free up, share snacks, share toys and include little friends in playground games. Knowing I had this devotion to write, I asked Noa how can you show a friend that you care for them and she replied without hesitation, “with a hug.” No hypocrisy there.
Amazing that adults constantly have to be reminded how to get along according to the desires of God’s wishes. And these verses provide a broad brush of what to do. Love genuinely for love is not fake. Stay away from evil. Gravitate toward good. Be a good friend. Be hopeful. Hang in there during hard times. Pray during hard times. Bless your enemies. Associate with humble people. Don’t be conceited. Don’t exact revenge. Leave the judging up to God. Be kind to your enemy – doing so will cause him to be ashamed of your goodness. Basically be good and live in harmony with your fellow man.
All the good, sweet things I witnessed on the playground only multiplied.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does God ask us to live in harmony?
- What does God say about revenge?
Prayer:
Please help us to live out our lives as the type of Christian you desire us to be. Teach us to hate evil, cling to good, love genuinely, and share with those in need. We may be prone to judging others and thoughts of revenge, but as you told us, that is for you to handle.
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