Be Joyful In Hope
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be
lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in
hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share
with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless
those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who
rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not
be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be
conceited.
Do
not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of
everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with
everyone. 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,” says the Lord. 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.”
Do
not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21
The
apostle Paul gave instructions about how to exercise our gifts as members of
the body of Christ. He affirmed the value of supporting roles. He began by
saying we should have realistic opinions of ourselves, and he concluded with a
call to genuine, unselfish love. We should be willing to let someone else take
the credit.
May
God grant us the ability to embrace with enthusiasm the supporting roles to
which He calls us.
The church works best when we see ourselves as participants,
not
as spectators.
Our Daily Bread –