Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.Romans 12:9-21
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “ Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
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Christian behavior is derived from Christian character which is developed over time and with much attention and care. We must not assume that we come easily into the realm of righteous living without first overcoming many obstacles both within and outside us. Our new nature is firmly established as our dominant nature by the painstaking process of putting the old man to death, and then we must guard the gains we've made with much effort and diligence - and this is a difficult and glorious process which is to end in our sanctification and oneness with Christ, Who is One with the Father. Amen.
The only Teacher is Jesus Christ, and His life is made real to and in us only by the Holy Spirit. No amount of well intentioned striving will ever achieve the goal of wholeness, holiness, and health in Him - we must be filled with the Holy Spirit. This truth is central to us understanding and appropriating God's instruction, as it is with all the scriptures. Yet, this truth is the stumbling block that frustrates so many Christians - that is, we have no chance of doing what the Bible instructs until we surrender and exchange our strength, receiving God's strength, the Holy Spirit. Only then does this passage become instruction we can successfully obey - and obey it we must.
- Love without hypocrisy. God is love, and we cannot love without His Spirit. His love is unique and unfathomably profound. It is beyond the love we can give or appreciate, and it is best expressed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, our love must mirror His love, or we are merely hypocrites - bad actors. Love embraces good and rejects evil, it is kind, giving, consistent, durable, and humble. Love takes action, overcomes obstacles, and manifests in service to others. It talks less than it works. Love is alive and active, and apathy is its antithesis.
- Love is mature and wise. It handles the good and the difficult with the dignity of the Holy Spirit. Love does not require that it be returned or acknowledged, as it is not needy, but complete in itself. Love is not dramatic or fanatical, it is not overly emotional, and it is not hindered by or mired in controversy. Love is relentless, and it always accomplishes what it sets out to do, just as Jesus was not deterred from His mission - the Cross.
- Love is the best revenge. No other power can compete with love, so it never has to get even. Love will never allow us to act in kind with those who wrong us, or the world, or those who don't know The Lord. Our example is Jesus, and He never avenged himself, vindicated himself, or felt the necessity of explaining Himself. His love spoke for Him, and He ever lives as the Loving Overcomer. Amen.
Love and perfect peace,
Pastor Eric
