Romans 12: 9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Be not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 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.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
A Thought
God is love and the more we submit ourselves to God, the more we will be like God filled with love for others. If we will overcome evil; we must overcome it with the power of love. If others are to see the love of God, they must see it in his people. Remember while we were sinners against God, God sent his son to pay the price with his blood for our sins because of God’s love for us. Now we must serve God by serving others. We must honor others, be joyful, be patient, be in prayer, share with others, show hospitality, live in harmony, do what is right, feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty. Yes, this is how we are to overcome evil; to overcome evil with the love of God.
Our Prayer
Father forgive us for we have failed to love others in the same manner that you love us. We are worthless without your love. Awaken us to the power of your love that will teach us how to overcome evil. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
