Romans Meditation Lesson 60

Romans Meditation Lesson 60

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:14-17)

The life of a follower of Jesus Christ is to contrast the way of the worldly. The Christian is sanctified and set apart from this world and is to live as citizens of His Kingdom. The Christian is the light of His truth in a world that knows not the truth and is lost in their way. Paul is now teaching what Christian life is supposed to be like on this side of eternity. Christians are to love and care for their brothers and sisters in the faith in a powerful and sacrificing way.

Paul’s command in this verse fourteen compares with the words of Jesus in Matthew. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). Paul may be saying this as many Christians were being persecuted in his day. Still, it also applies in situations where people treat us badly. It is a normal instinct to react oppositely with the get-even attitude, but the Christian who blesses and prays for their offenders will stand out in any culture. They will be imitating Paul’s teaching and, more importantly, the teaching of Jesus. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Christians practicing this amongst themselves demonstrates their love for each other. It also makes a powerful statement when practiced with unbelievers.

In the next verse, fifteen, we are to rejoice and weep with each other. Jesus told His disciples and therefore us, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35). The Christians should be masters of empathy towards each other. Those who are followers of Christ should be submissive to each other. Nothing communicates love more than a true concern for another. The way to show your love is a concern when one is suffering a low point or joining in their joy at a high point.

The grace of God has saved Christians through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have been shown God’s great mercy and should have the same mercy toward others. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32). Christians should also have empathy and compassion for others.

To live in harmony with others takes humility from everyone involved. It is not surprising Paul instructs us not to be haughty or arrogant with other people. Paul makes it clear in the following command to associate with the lowly and not be wise in our own estimation. We cannot think of ourselves as too good to socialize with anyone. We should never accept our own opinion as the final word. We must submit God’s Word as well as the input and other ideas.

Christianity grew quickly in the early days as women, slaves, and people of low stature were welcome to come to faith in Jesus Christ. The result is that people who would not normally associate with each other found themselves relating to the church. The church, ideally, is not a place for class rivalry.

The command in verse seventeen is another that comes against our instinct. Paul is teaching us to be thoughtful when evil is done to us. Paul may suggest the moment is a time to demonstrate Christ in us. Christians must be honorable people and display love and forgiveness towards people who have been evil to us. It is a powerful statement we are living as Christ in us and serving Him in obedience.

Thomas N Kirkpatrick

First Baptist Church of Durant, June 17, 2024