Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly 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 God’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 everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. (Romans 12:9–19, NIV 1984).
My Musings – As I read this passage I am saddened by the large number of people professing faith in Christ who seem to have forgotten what Kingdom living should look like. No wonder the culture has soured on Christianity. We are Christ’s ambassadors (authorized representatives or messengers) in a fallen world. How faithful is our representation? What message are we sending? By “our” and “we,” I include me.
My Advice – No better advice do I have than the following verse, which captures the overall theme of the passage in Romans. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NIV 1984). Be diligent in these three, and all the rest in the Romans passage should fall into place.
The Brew Is A Musing 