Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 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. (ESV)
This chapter is not about how to heap burning coals on your enemy’s head, but that vengeance is the Lord’s.
There’s no use in being a Christian if you are not different to unbelievers.
Three aspects regarding believers:
- Our Actions towards the Brethren
a. Social – honest, loving, humble, diligent, helpful and compassionate.
b. Spiritual – holy, faithful, joyful, prayerful, hopeful and thankful (1 Thes. 5:16-18). - Our Attitude towards the Brethren
a. Not wise in your own eyes.
b. Associate with the lowly.
c. Repaying no one evil for evil.
d. Giving thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. - Our Affections towards the Brethren
a. Be Peaceful – not doing or even thinking anything that can destroy the peace.
b. Be Patient – not taking matters into our own hands.
c. Be Positive – being creative, living against the tide of evil things.
d. Be Pleasant – being Christ-like in every situation, overcoming evil with good – like the Lord Jesus Christ did.