Romans 12:9-21
If your family is anything like mine, you know that having siblings is a blessing but can also be the worst thing in the world (some days). Siblings fight over anything and everything, and when we say everything, it really means everything. From what show to watch, who wore whose clothes, to the major things of whose side of the room is whose if you shared a room. Siblings can find anything to fight, disagree, or complain about. However, siblings also are one of the greatest examples of today’s Bible reading from Romans 12. Paul tells the Roman believers to hate what is evil, and to love their enemies. He even challenges them to take it a step further in verses 17-20:
“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.”
You may have heard the saying well just kill them with kindness and I truly believe that this is where that saying began. If you watch any number of siblings long enough, they will begin to show love and kindness to each other over time. As believers, we should take to Paul’s challenge and reminder to do the same. We ought to be kind to everyone when we encounter both believers and non-believers. Not for our personal pride but so the name of Jesus Christ can be gloried. Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not! As we go about our days, let's take to heart Paul’s message! Let our love be sincere, be devoted to one another, and honor others above ourselves. Let us live each day with the simple question, how can I show Jesus today? And watch God work in a mighty way!
“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.”
You may have heard the saying well just kill them with kindness and I truly believe that this is where that saying began. If you watch any number of siblings long enough, they will begin to show love and kindness to each other over time. As believers, we should take to Paul’s challenge and reminder to do the same. We ought to be kind to everyone when we encounter both believers and non-believers. Not for our personal pride but so the name of Jesus Christ can be gloried. Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not! As we go about our days, let's take to heart Paul’s message! Let our love be sincere, be devoted to one another, and honor others above ourselves. Let us live each day with the simple question, how can I show Jesus today? And watch God work in a mighty way!
Posted in Devotional