Wednesday, February 9, 2000

Romans 12:10-18 -- On A Handbook for Life

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another.  Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.  Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense no man evil for evil.  Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Romans 12:10-18


This is like a little handbook for life... :)  Before and after these verses it has the whole evil/good theme... verses 9 and 21 in Romans 12 are telling us to be good and not evil, and 21 even says "overcome evil with good" ... and I think that this is our lesson on how to do that.  love people... make sure they know that they are a priority in your life.  show them affection.  do whatever you do well, be passionate about having the spirit in your life... serve God... have hope, rejoice when things are good, be patient when things are bad... always pray so that you can hang on to that hope.  Give to other people, take care of other people, welcome them in your life.  bless people's lives, whether they treat you well or not.  Rejoice with people, cry with people... real emotions.  (Reminds me of "anyone lived in a pretty how town" by E E Cummings... GREAT poem.) Be of the same mind... I think this means, be the same you to everyone.  Don't play one role over here, or wear a different mask over there.  Don't change who you are depending on who you are talking to.  Don't think that wealth makes anyone better... ignore cars and nice clothes, and treat everyone well.  Don't perpetuate the myth that this or that material thing, or level of education is better.  We all have preferences... but that's what they are.  Don't ever treat someone badly because they treat you badly, be honest to everyone, even when no-one is watching.  And try to have positive relationships with everyone... no fighting. :)

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