Enough of re-posts! Here is an ‘original’ post or thought of mine 🙂 It is something to reflect on amidst all the violence and suffering that is going on in the world today. It can be difficult to have a balanced perspective on life and the things around us. Is religion and our beliefs really that violent?
I shared this verse with a friend 2 days ago and thought I would share it here. I subsequently also realised that UncleE did write about this verse in his post “Old Testament God angry, New Testament God Loving. Right? Or wrong?”……he mentioned this verse in the section on ‘Paul and violence’.
No matter what one’s belief is…… Romans 12: 9-21 certainly comes in useful. I quote the NIRV version. It is easy to read, thus bringing out the message clearly.
Love in Action
9 Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. 10 Love one another deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. 11 Stay excited about your faith as you serve the Lord. 12 When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes.
14 Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not curse them. 15 Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. 16 Agree with one another. Don’t be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Don’t think that you are better than others.
17 Don’t pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can. 19 My dear friends, don’t try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, “I am the God who judges people. I will pay them back,” (Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. 20 Do just the opposite. Scripture says,
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.” (Proverbs 25:21,22)
21 Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.
invernest 