Romans 12:9-21 (NRSV)
Read Romans 12:9-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; Verse 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Verse 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Verse 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Verse 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Verse 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Verse 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Verse 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Verse 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. Verse 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Verse 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Verse 20No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Verse 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Devotion
We twist good into evil and vice-versa. We are sinners. We are forgiven in Christ. Why would we forgive someone who has committed a horrible sin? Why did Jesus, from the cross, say, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do?" Because forgiveness doesn’t negate the sin. Forgiveness doesn’t imply the sin didn’t matter, that it’s no big deal. Forgiveness acknowledges the deep violation of sin and gives God the power to reach across the chasm of brokenness to provide a way back to wholeness.
This is by no means an "easy out." It is a way – a tentative and at times rocky, God-chaperoned way – to try to walk beyond the sin to the fullness of life that God still intends for us, even when we have been horribly broken.
Prayer
Blessed Savior, empower me, together with all your people, to love and forgive sincerely, keeping no record of wrongs, but rejoicing in the hope of eternal life with all who turn to you in grateful praise. Amen.
Note to readers: Marcia has struggled with cancer for several years, and is now calmly awaiting her victory celebration over death. She is at home with family. Please hold them in your prayers.