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
“Let love be genuine.” Paul has just reminded his readers that they are more than individuals. They are individuals who are members of one another, with differing gifts that contribute to the whole. Love finds its full expression in community, where people share life together with its joys, its pains and wrongs, its sorrows.
“How can I take a personal tragedy and turn it into a way to make a better world?” A news story shared this inspiring response of Alicia, who had lost her daughter to De Barcy Syndrome—premature aging. Her pain led her to other families who may be experiencing similar circumstances. She now enthusiastically teaches children facing numerous life illnesses and special challenges, caring deeply for each child in ways that open them up to joy and possibility. Her empathy and deep care “makes the children feel seen,” her principal relates. Genuine love, loose in our world, reducing pain, doubling joy!
“Take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.” In a tit for tat world, it is love and grace that prevail in the new creation. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew in me a right spirit, that genuine love might flow in and through me and your church for the healing and wholeness of our world. Amen.
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