“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

romans 12:9-21

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Paul begins this passage with the words, “Love must be sincere.” Those words are the foundation for what follows in verses 10-21. From the basis of genuine, sincere love, Paul builds a practical list of actions that define sincere love in the church and world. If you are list person, this is your passage!

Sincere Love in the Church Community:

Hates what is evil and clings to what is good

Is devoted to one another in love

Honors others above ourselves

Is joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer

Shares with those who are in need

Often, we think of love more as a feeling that action, but here in Romans Paul makes clear that for love to mean anything at all it must be put forth in selfless action for others.

The second half of Romans 12:9-21 is challenging to say the least. Paul echoed Jesus’ demanding teaching to love our enemies when he wrote, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Can you imagine being a member of the church at Rome and receiving this kind of letter? Most of us would be fine with the teaching on the sincerity of love, but when it comes to blessing those who go out of their way to hurt us, that is another story.

I had a great conversation recently with someone who has been visiting our church. He expressed how much he has enjoyed being a part of our church but acknowledged how difficult it is to follow Jesus’ teachings in everyday life. He said that one Sunday, while he and his wife were driving home after church, he said to her, “Christianity is hard.” How true! It’s hard to love our enemies. It’s hard to live in harmony with one another. It's hard to be peacemakers in a world that seems to thrive on division. However, God has promised to be with us in Christ!

Paul’s concluding verse in this passage reminds us that God has called us to do what Christ has done for all people for all time – overcome evil with good. As you go about your day, remember these words: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Prayer:

Forgiving God, help us to not be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. We pray for our enemies today and are thankful for your grace and mercy in our lives. Amen.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

What are examples of “insincere” love? Examples of sincere love?
Paul tells us to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. How do you determine what is “good”?
What does it look like to “outdo one another in showing honor”?
Paul wrote, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Which of those three resonate with you most today?

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