Do Not
Lag In Zeal
Let
love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another
with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal,
be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope,
be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the
saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless
those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who
rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be
haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the
sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably
with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of
God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the LORD.” No,
“if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them
something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their
heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21
Think
back to the time when you were a new-born Christian. Do you have the same
fervor today as you did then? If you do not, find a way to relight your fervor.
Read the Bible. Get involved in something your church is doing. Bless but don’t
depress.
In
ancient
Some
scholars see the fire on the altar as a symbol for the flame of our devotion
for the Lord. Spiritual passion is not something to be treated lightly or taken
for granted. It will grow cold if we fail to keep it supplied with fuel.
The
apostle Paul addressed the subject of spiritual fervor in his letter to the
Romans. To keep the fire of our devotion burning strong, we must continue the
hard work of stocking our fuel supply with hope, patience, steadfast prayer,
generosity, hospitality, and humility.
Our love for Jesus
is
the key to
spiritual
passion.
Our Daily Bread –
August 12, 2007