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Loving And Just Behavior ROMANS 12:9–21 (KJV)
patiently endure them be- cause we know the love of God.
The Believer’s Call To Practical Living (vv. 14–21)
Paul tells believers how to demonstrate their Christian- ity in practical ways. He ac- knowledges that it is not easy to be a Christian in the world we live in. Many people will do us wrong just because we are Christians. Perhaps that is why he says, “bless them which persecute you: bless and curse not” (v. 14). God wants us to respond in a Christ-like manner since He has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to overlook of- fenses.
Paul tells us how to react when others experience a “season” of joy. We must be happy for them and rejoice with them. On the other hand, we need to learn how to identify with another’s pain and sorrow and weep
with them. Every believer will go through seasons of joy and pain. We should be sen- sitive and available to the needs of others.
Finally, Paul reminds be- lievers of our responsibilities in living out the Gospel: to feed our enemies, give them something to drink, and treat them well, “for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (v. 20).
Those who have treated us wrong will be surprised that the evil they perpetuated against us did not overcome us and cause us to react neg- atively. They will be ashamed of how they have mistreated us. In fact, our goodness to- ward evildoers might moti- vate them to change their lives and become believers in Jesus Christ.
In Our Society
Today, people are looking for the “real thing” in every area of society, including the church of Jesus Christ. They
want to know whether walk- ing in the way of Jesus really makes a difference. We are called to be distinct and set apart from the world. Let us be the light He has called us to be, not just on Sunday, but every day of our lives.
This is so necessary in our African American communi- ties. Our focus has often been on justice, but we also need to turn the mirror on our- selves and ask whether we exhibit loving and just be- havior toward each other. Many problems in our com- munities, such as gangs, job- lessness, and the lack of mentors for the next genera- tion, could be solved. It starts with simply committing to be a good neighbor. When we walk in love toward other people, we will treat them justly.
Be sincere in your love for others, that includes those you consider as your ene- mies.
Romans 12: 9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with broth- erly love; in honour prefer- ring one another;
11 Not slothful in busi- ness; fervent in spirit; serv- ing the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; pa- tient in tribulation; continu- ing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the ne- cessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which per- secute you: bless, and curse
not1. 5 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but conde- scend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own con- ceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The epistle to the Romans is the longest and arguably the most influential letter that the apostle Paul wrote. In fact, Romans is placed first among the other New Testament letters. The apos- tle wrote this letter with his apostolic mission to the Gen- tile world in mind.
As an apostle, Paul’s life exemplified one of great sac- rifice and persecution. He wrote about his experiences in hopes of drawing people to Christ, and to strengthen and mature believers.
He explained to the Ro- mans what their new lives in Christ should look like as they lived it out among each other, and before the world.
The Believer’s Call To Love (Romans 12:9–13)
One of the spiritual “fruits” that we must have is love (Galatians 5:22). Just as fruit must be ripened, so must our love be developed. This love, if it is to be a logical outcome from God’s charac- ter, must be unconditional.
How?
When we experience God’s love despite our fail- ures and imperfections, we are better able to love others. Out of this love for others grows an orientation toward respect, kindness, affection, and a show of sincere con- cern for the welfare of others.
We may find ourselves de- siring God’s best for those with whom we interact. We don’t mind helping others achieve their God-given goals. It is this love, grounded in God’s trans- forming mercy, that Paul says reminds us that we are to “prefer” one another in honor.
We are to look beyond the present to the possibility seen by God in others. Too often we focus on people’s weaknesses. We are encour- aged to look beyond their shortcomings and pray for their victories.
Praying for others changes our attitude and affects posi- tive change in their lives. This dedication to love also challenges us not to be sloth- ful in business, but fervent in spirit.
Why?
Because we are ambassa-
dors for Jesus Christ. Our pursuit of excellence in everything, including our home, workplace, and min- istry grows out of our deep love for the God who saved us.
We cannot afford to be lazy or indifferent because we belong to a God who excels. When people are hopeless, we offer them hope. When we face times of testing, we
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