Through the Bible - Psalms 102-104, Romans 15:1-21
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll return to Romans 12 as Paul continues to show us and give us practical examples of how to live the Christian life. In verse 9 he tells us "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. " NLT
I would imagine that there is plenty of "pretending to love others" going on around us, possibly in our own lives.
Read the passage below as Paul outlines what it means to "really" love them.
Today's verses tell us to live peaceably with "all men'.
Today's verses tell us to live peaceably with "all men'.
Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. NKJV
Payback is another thing that is a norm, it seems, in today's society. It may not be immediate, we wait for the opportunity for revenge. We may look like we have peace on the outside, but inside there is enmity and pride.
Living peaceably is possible if we have the transformed heart and renewed mind that we looked at yesterday. It won't be easy and just because we try to live peaceably does not mean that it will result in peace between us and the people in our lives.
John Piper writes, "You may do all you can do in a family or in a small group or in a church or in a denomination or in a city or in a nation within the limits of truth and within the limits of what is "honorable," but still not be able to make peace. Jesus, the prince of peace, said, "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three" (Luke 12:51-52). The point here is not that peace is not precious or desired or to be sought. The point is that the truth of the gospel—the truth of Christ crucified and risen and reigning, and the necessity of faith in him—is more precious than human peace. The gospel creates peace with God. And the gospel creates lovers of humble peace and workers for peace. But the world that crucified Jesus Christ does not always want the peace that he offers."
As John Piper indicates, we will not always be able to achieve peace in our families, churches and beyond, but we are to strive for it. While doing so, while persevering,while "carrying the gospel" we can have peace, peace with God, peace and grace to see us through.
Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Rom 12:9-13:1
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 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.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 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."
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV
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