In Romans 12, Paul has wrapped up much of the theological explaining & contextualizing he’s been giving to the church in Rome for the past 11 chapters, and moves on to tell them what it means to be a Christian in everyday life. How does he do this? A list, laying out the values & traits that Christians ought to abide by. And while a list may seem dull, as I was reading through it this week I have to say it became anything but.
You see, Paul isn’t just simply listing traits here, he’s showing us a whole approach to life that is counter to the approach of the world. Yes he lists specifics, but in the whole of these things we see the mindset he is charging us to live with: a mindset less concerned with vain human grievances as it is with overcoming the conflict of sin & division in our everyday lives. A “Kingdom” mindset, if you will.
I’m going to leave you with a portion of these verses, Romans 12:9-21, where personally I feel Paul really goes to town. This is a portion titled “The Marks of the True Christian” (what a title!), and is where he begins his list. As you read through this, take your time with each verse, sit with them & pause when you must. This is not simply a list, this is a holy charge to live a life set apart from the numbing & divisive flow of the world.
I pray you will encounter God in these verses & see a glimpse of the incredible life He’s called you to.
The Marks of the True Christian, Romans 12:
“9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”