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
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The way of the Lord is at cross purposes with the ways of the world and the intuition of our human hearts. How can we overcome terrorism, violence, oppression and injustice by doing good? It may make no sense to us, but the one who gave his own life for us sends us out as givers, not takers, as those who bless and not those who curse.
Prayer
Christ, we do not understand either your ways or your works. But work in us those things that are pleasing to you for the redemption of all the world. Amen.