Archive for March 2019
S11P11 – The action of love: wielding the weapon of love
Romans 12:20-21“But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good. The first verse here parallels Proverbs 25: 21-22, which ends with the line…
Read MoreS11P10 – The action of love: control in the face of evil
Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. When we come face to face with evil, there are things we are expected to do. Scripture tells us to fight, to…
Read MoreS11P9 – The action of love: relentlessly peaceful
Romans 12:18If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Some might view this verse as a command to try our best because of the implied promise that peace is not possible with everyone. But this verse is not a command to only try; it is a command to always…
Read MoreS11P8 – The action of love: life as a reflection of Jesus Christ
Romans 12:17Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. This verse begins by telling us to repay evil with good. It is an instruction given by Jesus while on earth. Although we are instructed to do so because it is the proper…
Read MoreTrusting that we will be completed
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9i9gn-aa620c When walking out our salvation, progress is not always apparent. This, however, does not mean that God has stopped working on us. His word tells us that He continues to do so until we are completed. Let us trust in this truth daily, even when we do not see the change. – C.C.
Read MoreS11P7 – The action of love: humble self-awareness
Romans 12:16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. Biblical instruction on fruitful relationships is often common sense. This verse directs us to focus on humility in relationship in two different ways. First, we are told…
Read MoreS11P6 – The action of love: empathy in the valley and on the mountain top
Romans 12:15Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It goes beyond acknowledging the emotions of another and into taking them on oneself. But the instruction in this verse to share in the motions…
Read MoreS11P5 – The action of love: from Christ to the world
Romans 12:14Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. Loving as Jesus loves is the greatest challenge. The enemy, the world and our flesh all conspire against us in this regard. They tell us to love only as we are loved and to pay back evil…
Read MoreS11P4 – The action of love: open hands and open houses
Romans 12:13contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality. Hospitality can be defined as the generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. This definition sheds light on two key characteristics of hospitality, which are generosity and unconditional welcoming. It paints a picture of one who regards the possession of…
Read MoreS11P3 – The action of love: practicing the permanent
Romans 12:12constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], This verse gives us several separate instructions on what our love for God should produce in us. However, this does not mean that the times described in this verse are…
Read More