Notice on a slight format change:

Except for July 2012, these are mostly a collection of current devotional notes.

July 2012 is a re-write of old quiet times. My second child was born Nov 11, 1987 with multiple birth defects. I've been re-reading my QT notes from that time in my life, and have included them here. They cover the time before the birth and the few years immediately after the birth. They are tagged "historical." I added new insights and labeled them: ((TODAY, dd mmm yy)).

Thursday, December 26, 2024

QT 12/26/2024 Rom 12:15-21, Show grace, not anger

Romans 12:15–21 (ESV) —

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 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.” 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

NOTE: Paul, in writing to a church had never visited, shares a number of instructions (probably because he had never visited personally). Generally, the message in this paragraph is about peace and avoiding the things that disrupt peace. What are those things that disrupt peace?

  • When we don't show interest in what is happening in others life (communicates you don't care),
  • When we are proud,
  • When we won't associate with certain people,
  • And when we focus on revenge or getting even.

The enemy is always on the prowl, looking for things that can disrupt harmony and peace. Most of the time, people will do things unintentionally, without any malice, and it will get interpreted negatively. I think this happens when we are driving a car quite often. We need to show grace, and if the other's action is from malice, overcome evil by doing good. Not only are we commanded to live this way, it can save a number of years of our life that could be lost because of anger, or stupid emotional decisions.

 

PONDER:

  1. What is my first response to a perceived aggression?
  2. Do I really have to respond to a negative action? Why?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to relax in you. I have eternity before me. I have eternal life. I am completely loved. I am completely forgiven. I should feel sorry for those without the savior, and show grace always.

Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)