Romans 12:9-21 - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 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 be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. 'But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

In this passage from Romans, Paul encourages the Christians in Rome to live in genuine love and harmony with one another. He exhorts them to hate what is evil, cling to what is good, serve one another, rejoice together, weep together, be humble, refrain from vengeance, feed their enemies, and overcome evil with good. Paul emphasizes the importance of living at peace with others as much as possible. He reminds them that vengeance belongs to God alone. Paul urges the Romans to not be conformed to the world's ways of retaliation, but to live by higher principles of love and grace. Though difficult at times, this is the way of Christ which leads to blessing.

This passage challenges me to think about how I can cultivate true Christian love and community within my church and spheres of influence. It's easy to profess love, but harder to live it out through service, empathy, patience, and forgiveness on a daily basis. I'm reminded how countercultural Jesus' teachings on non-retaliation and enemy love were (and still are). The world says to assert your rights, get even, and crush your opponents. But Jesus says to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and overcome evil with good. This is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. As Christ forgave and blessed us, we must extend that same grace to others. Living this way displays God's radical love and transforms hearts.

Lord Jesus, fill me afresh with your supernatural love today. Help me to serve others in humility, weep with those who mourn, make peace, and refrain from vengeance. Empower me to love the unlovely and do good to those who wrong me. Transform my heart to be more like you each day. Let your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven through your people. Amen.