Devotion:
Read Romans 12:17-21.
This week, we are focusing on what we need to remove from our life in order to better be a disciple and representative of Jesus Christ. We all have habits, ways of thinking, attitudes and activities that prevent us from living the way of Jesus and helping others come to know him.
Romans 12 has long been one of my favorite passages of the Bible that ground me in what it looks like to be God’s people. These verses at the end of that chapter emphasize one of the things we have to get rid of - our desire for revenge. While the focus here is not taking actions of vengeance, I am convinced the Holy Spirit seeks to guide and empower us to even get rid of the desire for it. Jesus teaching us to “love your enemies” in and of itself speaks to removing that from our spirit and mind. Paul reminds us that God is a God of justice and that God will deal with the sins of those who have done injustice to us or anybody else.
Not only are we encouraged to remove the desire for revenge, but to take positive actions toward our enemies; to provide for their needs; to surprise them with the grace of God, that gives what we don’t deserve. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Personal Worship Option:
Who is that person or group God is calling you to surprise with an action of grace?
No comments:
Post a Comment