Opening Scripture:
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” – Revelation 1:3
Be Transformed by Renewing Your Mind
Paul starts by urging us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is true worship. We should not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. By doing this, we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
Paul tells us not to think of ourselves more highly than we should but to think of ourselves with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of us. We are all part of one body in Christ, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
— Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)
Serving God with Our Gifts
Paul lists several gifts and encourages us to use them to serve God and others:
- Prophesying: If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.
- Serving: If it is serving, then serve.
- Teaching: If it is teaching, then teach.
- Encouraging: If it is to encourage, then give encouragement.
- Giving: If it is giving, then give generously.
- Leading: If it is to lead, do it diligently.
- Showing Mercy: If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Each of us has been given unique gifts by God. Using these gifts is not only a way to serve others but also a way to honor God. By utilizing our talents and abilities, we contribute to the growth and health of the body of Christ.
Love in Action
Paul gives us practical advice on how to live out our faith:
- Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
- Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
- Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
- Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
- Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Blessing and Living in Harmony
Paul instructs us to bless those who persecute us and not to curse them. We should rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. We should live in harmony with one another and not be proud but willing to associate with people of low position. We should not be conceited.
Overcoming Evil with Good
We are to repay no one evil for evil. Instead, we should be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on us, we should live at peace with everyone. We should not take revenge but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Instead, if our enemy is hungry, we should feed him; if he is thirsty, we should give him something to drink. By doing this, we will heap burning coals on his head. We should not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.