Verse of the Day 4/20

Verse of the Day 4/20

Romans 12:9-10

English Standard Version

Marks of the True Christian

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.

Our Monday Men's Bible study covered this passage this week.  I posted the opening verses above from the English Standard Version along with the heading, "Marks of the True Christian".  I'd say that it is the most concise and complete description of how a "true Christian" should strive to live.  I say strive because it is such a tall order, and not one that can be accomplished solely by our own efforts.

The first two verses are broken up into a few short statements, if they had been written today, Paul probably would have used bullet points.  If you do so they stand out all the more.

• Let love be genuine
• Abhor what is evil
• Hold fast to what.is good
• Love one another with brotherly love
• Outdo one another in showing honor.

Before going on to read the rest of the passage below, how would you do with these if we were to post them on our refrigerator or the visor on our car?   ..

Our love should be genuine, authentic, true, nothing "fake" about it.  We are to abhor, hate, detest what is evil, we should shun it and never get too close to it or be comfortable around it.  Hold fast and cling to what is good.  There was a song out years ago, "hold on loosely, but don't let go".  That is not what this is talking about, hold on tight so that you can't let go, let no one pry it from your fingers. Love others with a brotherly love, caring, sharing and doing the best for them.  Lastly, outdoing one another in honor.  Wow!  Today's society is always quick to dishonor, slander and ridicule, and I'm not just talking about politicians.

Read the passage.  What other bullet points would you add to the list on your refrigerator or your mind?

Blessings,

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Romans 12:9-21

English Standard Version

Marks of the True Christian

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,[a] 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.[b] 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.