Through the Bible - Isaiah 1-2, Mark 1:1-22
Good morning,
You've probably heard the saying "don't get mad, get even". Hopefully you are not one who endorses that philosophy.
For today's verse we'll return to Romans chapter 12 for another "True Mark of a Christian", not repaying evil for evil, but being above reproach, doing what is honest, proper and noble.
Romans 12:17-18 (Amplified Bible) Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.
18If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
or from The Message:
Romans 12:17-18 (The Message) Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Verse 18 sums it up, "if possible... live at peace with all men". It is not always possible because it depends on others attitudes and responses. But we can avoid doing things to provoke others.
From Barnes Notes commentary, "This command (to live at peace ) doubtless extends to everything connected with strife; and means that we are not to "provoke" them to controversy, or to prolong it when it is commenced; see Ps 34:14; Matt 5:9,39-41; Heb 12:14. If all Christians would follow this command, if they would never "provoke" to controversy, if they would injure no man by slander or by unfair dealing, if they would compel none to prosecute them in law by lack of punctuality in payment of debts or honesty in business, if they would do nothing to irritate, or to prolong a controversy when it is commenced, it would put an end to no small part of the strife that exists in the world." (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database)
We are called to live "above reproach" are we willing to live above the fray? Let's not take our cues from the political arena of the day but instead try to bring peace to situations in our lives. Rom. 15:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NASB
Blessings,Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com
mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Rom 12:9-21
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
20 "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NASB
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