Verse of the Day 8/13
Romans 12:17-18 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. English Standard Version (ESV)
We've been considering how the apostle Peter called for us to "Honor all people and love the brotherhood" (1 Peter 2:17) and yesterday how King Solomon indicated that those who listen to God's wisdom will live in safety, without fear of harm." Today's verses came up in the read through the New Testament plan that I am following. In the NIV translation (below), the heading for the passage is "Love in Action". To love one another is a common theme in the Bible and this includes everyone, friend and enemy alike.
Pastor Greg Laurie writes, "During the Civil War, someone asked President Abraham Lincoln why he was making friends of his enemies when he should be thinking about destroying them. Lincoln replied, "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?"
We've all heard of the term "payback" where someone seeks to inflict harm or damage to someone who may have done something wrong to them. This is not a Biblical picture. Our country has a long tradition of "payback", we all know of the "Hatfield's and McCoys". How much better off would we be if we followed Abraham Lincoln's advice and got rid of our enemies by making them friends? It won't be easy, but it is possible and it starts with treating others, even our enemies, as we would like to be treated ourselves.
What would happen to the unrest in our communities and the discord in our nations capital between parties if there was more effort made to "give thought to what is honorable in the sight of all" and "live peaceably with all?"
Read the passage below from Romans 12 "Love in Action".
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. New International Version (NIV)
-- In Christ, Mike 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 New International Version (NIV)
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 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,"[b] says the Lord. 20 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."[c]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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