The last paragraph of Chapter 12 of Romans gives a full-bodied list of choices for every believer, for every day, as we choose to submit our own will to the Lord and to love (and live with) others as Jesus did. I counted them and found ten. It is not the all-inclusive list (see Exodus 20), but it is thorough and makes an indelible point on my conscience. I wonder if you might find what could be called a summary statement half-way through and a Go forth, woman of God, and do what I will equip you to do closing line at the end.
- Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
- Rejoice with those who rejoice.
- Weep with those who weep.
- Live in harmony with one another.
- Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
- Never be wise in your own sight.
- Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
- If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
- Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12.14-21
Never be wise in your own sight. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12.16 and 21
More necessary words may not ever have been spoken to me or read by me. Never be wise in your own sight … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
It’s a mighty work going on in each of our hearts and minds. Not doable without the strength and perseverance we are afforded by the Lord in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
No matter how much great teaching I sit with or how much I study the Bible, if it is not humbling me and turning my efforts outward for loving others toward Jesus, then it is just me gaining knowledge (maybe) but without understanding and without love, without truly grasping that which the Lord is offering … Hey, daughter Colleen, it’s not about you! It’s about living like time is short to tell others about Me, because time is short!
Everyday is a new one for living like an overcomer of evil, because we know how the story ends. My name isn’t on the last page, Jesus’ is. That’s the hope rather than despair, the courage rather than discouragement, the outside-my-comfort-zone genuine care and love for others. Everyday. Including today! So go forth, woman of God!
Love, Colleen