Romans 12:9-21 (NRSV)
Read Romans 12:9-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; Verse 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Verse 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Verse 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Verse 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Verse 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Verse 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Verse 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Verse 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. Verse 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Verse 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Verse 20No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Verse 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Devotion
One of my favorite words is a shameful emotion: Schadenfreude. It comes from German, meaning to take pleasure in someone else's misfortune. It starts early in life. After all, if your team can't win, at least the next best thing is to have your rival team lose. But schadenfreude is a shallow, empty joy—and worst of all it is often lonely, a joy snickered to yourself, laughing on the inside while conveying sympathy on the outside. Schadenfreude denies relationship, denies connection and fosters hatred.
Best to listen to the Apostle Paul: rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Many times we think our loved ones need a solution—a happy face in times of trial, a strict word of forbearance in times of joy. Paul reminds us that what we need in Christian community is to share in emotions with our loved ones. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. No schadenfreude needed.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, when I am tempted to take joy in my opponent's misfortune, remind me that joy is meant to be shared. What seems to be joy often brings only loneliness and heartache. Bind us together in our joy and our sorrow. Amen.