Our New Testament reading from the Lectionary this week continues with the Book of Romans. We see now that Paul changes gears from the first half of his Epistle, which was studies of doctrine and theology, and now focuses more on practical issues of living the Christian life. Living a right and godly life is not legalism, as long as we understand that it is not “good behavior” that gets one into heaven. Living a good and godly life is Christ honoring and keeps us far from the snares and temptations of the devil. It is also a good testimony for the unbelievers who are always watching how we are living. Our passage today is a compilation of guidelines for how we should behave as followers of Christ. Let’s briefly look at each of these verses, a mixture of admonitions, and see what we can learn.
In verse 9 we read that Paul tells us to love without hypocrisy. Our love for others, particularly other brothers and sisters in Christ, should be pure and sincere, without guile, deviousness, or self-centeredness. Real, sincere love for others goes beyond pretense and surface politeness. As Christians we are to develop the fruits of the Spirit, one of which is love. Love will put other’s needs ahead of our own. This love doesn’t strive for it’s own personal gain. We should be devoted to our fellow Christians with a love as members of one family (vs. 10). We show that love by putting them first, ahead of our own desires. In verse 11 we read that we should do things for the Lord with enthusiasm and care. Being lazy and indifferent in our work for Him allows evil to prosper.
Paul tells us in verse 12 to rejoice in hope. Our hope is in Christ’s return and our final redemption. God has promised He will return for us. He keeps all of His promises, and because He does we can have a joyful hope. We have confidence that we will receive what God has promised. In this verse God also urges us to be patient in our troubles, which isn’t always easy. With God’s love our cup isn’t half empty, it is always half full and more. Paul also tell us in verse 12 to continue in prayer. While we can’t spend every moment in prayer, he is speaking of being in a prayerful spirit throughout the day, sending up short prayer conversations with God, like people who text each other throughout the day.
In verse 13, we, as Christians, are urged to share with others, particularly with fellow believers. Early believers would often have people stay at their homes. Hospitality differs from entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host, whereas hospitality focuses on the guests and their needs.
Paul continues in verse 14 by telling us to bless those who persecute us. How do we do that? We bless them by not returning their bad treatment. Instead, we should pray for them. We should be glad when others are blessed and have good things happen to them (vs. 15), and be sensitive and compassionate to those who sorrow or have difficulties. Do not be conceited, feel, or act superior to others (vs. 16). Nor are we to retaliate against others when we have been mistreated (vs. 17). By doing good to our enemies we are not excusing their misdeeds. We are forgiving them and loving them in spite of their sins, just as Jesus did for us.
Sometimes it is just not possible to live peacefully with some people (vs. 18). They want nothing to do with us or our Savior, and have an angry personality. If we’ve done all we can, aren’t angry or bitter ourselves, we just have to move on. In spite of that, though, we are told to help our enemies (vs. 19 - 20). Our kind and loving behavior towards them will shame them for their hatred and bad treatment of us, and who knows as to whether it might not be instrumental in drawing them to the Lord?
In closing this passage of a mixture of different verses, Paul urges us not to let resentment or bitterness grow in our hearts (vs. 21). In Hebrews 12:15 we are warned against letting a root of bitterness grow. Bitterness is a parasite. Instead, we are to strive to overcome all evil treatment by others with good and loving treatment in return.
As mentioned at the start of this devotional, following Paul’s instructions here is not the way one gains admission into heaven. That is through faith in Christ’s death on the cross. Rather, this is an example of the good works that are evidence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in one’s heart when we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. Let’s show to the world by our actions the Savior we have in our heart.
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