Let’s Stay Together
Opening Prayer
Mighty God, Your mercies are new every morning. Your mercy will follow me forever.
Read Romans 12:9-21
[9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. [10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. [11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [13] Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. [17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. [20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What commands does Paul enumerate for the Romans?The Roman church was divided, the Jewish and Gentile Christians struggling to live alongside each other. But they had no choice but to make it work: they were as interdependent as parts of the same body (12:5), and together they represented Christ to the world. Since the church is still made up of human beings today, we still struggle to get along. Paul’s words of advice here are just as pertinent as ever. Take a look at verse 9. It is love that holds the church together–love that we choose to have for one another. We can choose not to prioritize our own needs (10), we can choose to share our possessions (13), we can choose to welcome people into our homes (13) or to enter into their situation, whether it be celebration or grief (15). We can end a conflict by choosing not to retaliate (17). We can live in peace (18). The church is often a mess. But it is also a beacon of light in a dark world, because Christ dwells among us. We must strive to make our corporate life reflect that extraordinary reality.
Apply
Are you an agent of peace or of disruption in your church community? Make every effort today to “overcome evil with good” (21).
Closing prayer
Father, fire my desire to know Your Word. Let it be “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psa. 119:105).
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