March 18, 2022

Romans 12:9-21 (HCSB) Christian Ethics
9 Love must be without hypocrisy.  Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.  12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.  13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.  14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another.  Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.  17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.  19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written:  Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay,  says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

Pastor H.D. Jones
This passage of scripture in my bible is titled “Christian Ethics” but I would call it “Christianity 101”. It is a list of traits that should be found in the lives of those who have been eternally changed by the gospel. When God saves us by His grace, He has set in motion changes that happen in this life that are preparing us for the everlasting life. One of my favorite phrases in this scripture is that we should “outdo one another in showing honor”. Can you imagine what church would be like if we actually came with the intent to put others above ourselves? We would see miracles take place like people without children wanting those with children to have a break from their children. Maybe we would have lots of people wanting to give financially to the church so that we could accomplish all the things God has already given to us. This list should paint a beautiful picture of Jesus living in us. We love because He loved us; we don’t get back at others because we know He has our back; and we do the right things even when it doesn’t always feel right.

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