Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Dear God, Romans 12 is one of those passages that you hear referenced a lot in Christian circles. Why? Because it’s good stuff. But as I think about each thing that Paul mentions here, I can’t help but think it all goes back to Jesus’ two great commandments: Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39). It’s that simple.
The problem with evaluating myself on how I am doing in these areas is that I have no perspective on myself. It takes outside people to look at me and ask how I’m doing. I need their perspective and their critical eye because it always takes someone else to push you harder than you can push yourself. That’s why even athletes who participate in solo sports like tennis or golf still need coaches. So how am I doing there? Frankly, I probably need a coach.
Father, I’d like to think I live a life that lives up to Romans 12, but I know I’m falling short. Of course I am. Help me to do better. Use my wife to sharpen me. Use our church to sharpen me. Use my friends and family too. Help me to not be too proud to completely submit to you and those whom you put in my life to help me.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
Emails to God 