The Difficulty and Blessing of Living a Romans 12 Life

 
You may notice that today’s reflection passage is the same scripture passage as yesterday. This is because sometimes it’s good to sit in the same verses for a period of time and invite the Holy Spirit to give you new insight and understanding.
One way we can practice this spiritual discipline is by reading a passage using a different version of the Bible (like we’re doing today) and seeing what idea jumps out at you. Asking yourself some questions about the passage can also encourage deeper understanding and discernment, and writing down your answers and thoughts helps with being intentional and focused.
Today, we encourage you to begin your reflection time by inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you meditate on His Word. Ask Him to show you something that’s specific to YOUR heart, and ask Him to teach you and transform you into becoming more like Him.
 
 
Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)

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. Beloved, 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.
 
 
Read this passage slowly, multiple times through, and really think about all that is being asked of us. Who comes to mind when you think about your enemy? Do they even know you consider them your enemy? If not, that might be a problem. But even if they do, God says:

-No repayment of evil;

-Never seek revenge;

-Live peaceably with all.

Do you struggle with the fact that none of these are conditional statements? That there are no exceptions or no examples of justifying any of these behaviors? If not, and you accept these commands, are you putting them into practice? God is asking us to basically do the opposite of every one of human responses; how does that make you feel?

Now think about the blessing that comes with trusting God by following His commands in the area of reconciliation. Do you truly believe that God will avenge all of your wrongs? What if that looks very differently from what you had in mind? Ask for the Holy Spirit to convince your heart that God’s way truly is the only way to overcome the evil of this world.

Below is a guided prayer that may be helpful, but we also encourage you to speak honestly with God about what you’re feeling and thinking.

Gracious God, we know You are a loving Father who only wants what is best for us. Not only do You love us in ways we can never fully understand, You also love the person we consider our enemy in the same way. Your commands are timeless, endless, and situation-less. Help us to leave the judging to You and trust wholeheartedly that the ONLY way to overcome evil is with good. And You alone are good. We Love You. Amen.