Image via WikipediaChristian lifePaul draws our attention to the practical obligations of the Christian life. He calls on all of us, his fellow Christians, to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to God, and to remember that each of us has a definite part to play in the work of the Church, whatever our particular gift may be. Brotherliness, charity, and forgiveness among ourselves are to be our response of gratitude to God for his mercy (Romans 12:1-21). Right actions lead to right feelings. With kind actions, tell your enemy that you would like to heal your relationship. Lend a helping hand. Smile at him or her.
(Romans 12:9-21)"Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. Love one another warmly as Christian brothers, and be eager to show respect for one another. Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians and open your homes to strangers.
"Ask God to bless those who persecute you - yes, ask him to bless not to curse. Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourself as wise.
"If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, 'I will take revenge, I will pay back says the Lord.' Instead, as the scripture says: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame.' Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good."
This week, how can you practice "love" and "peace" with your family? Co-workers? Small group? Church?
A powerful and difficult way of living, is asked of us. In order to accomplish it we must have "Love".
(Matthew 5:46-47)"Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that!"
How would your life be different as God helps you to put this quality into action?
(Romans 12:9-21)"Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. Love one another warmly as Christian brothers, and be eager to show respect for one another. Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians and open your homes to strangers.
"Ask God to bless those who persecute you - yes, ask him to bless not to curse. Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourself as wise.
"If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, 'I will take revenge, I will pay back says the Lord.' Instead, as the scripture says: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame.' Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good."
This week, how can you practice "love" and "peace" with your family? Co-workers? Small group? Church?
A powerful and difficult way of living, is asked of us. In order to accomplish it we must have "Love".
(Matthew 5:46-47)"Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that!"
How would your life be different as God helps you to put this quality into action?
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