Reading and meditation on Chapter 12 of the Letter to the Romans:
In this part of Paul’s letter to the Romans, the recommendations become more social—that is, focusing on the quality of our relationship with God and our neighbor, particularly within the Christian congregation:
“Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. 2 And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God » (verses 1,2).
The supreme example of a living, holy sacrifice pleasing to God is the body of Christ, presented to Him at his baptism and throughout his ministry until his death (Hebrews 10:5–10). The sacrifice must be holy; our physical bodies—along with our mental state—must be kept pure, undefiled by the use of tobacco, betel nut, or other substances (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Paul also emphasizes the use of reason—that is, maintaining mastery over our mental and spiritual state. To this end, we must avoid consuming products that could alter our state of mind. For instance, at the place of his execution, Jesus Christ was offered wine mixed with gall by the soldiers—likely to dull the suffering he would endure during those six hours of agony—but he refused it so that He might remain clear-headed to the very end (Matthew 27:34). Likewise, a Christian should abstain from using drugs or consuming alcohol to excess, which leads to intoxication.
“For through the undeserved kindness given to me, I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think, but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has given to him a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have in one body many members, but the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, although many, are one body in union with Christ, but individually we are members belonging to one another. 6 Since, then, we have gifts that differ according to the undeserved kindness given to us, if it is of prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or if it is a ministry, let us be at this ministry; or the one who teaches, let him be at his teaching; 8 or the one who encourages, let him give encouragement; the one who distributes, let him do it liberally; the one who presides, let him do it diligently; the one who shows mercy, let him do it cheerfully » (verses 3-8).
Verse 3 mentions the quality of modesty, which consists in having a proper assessment of one’s personal abilities and limitations. Paul compares the functioning and harmony of the congregation to that of a human body. Each part plays a specific role; likewise, every disciple of Christ has a specific divine gift that he uses to serve his brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good. 10 In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead. 11 Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah. 12 Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer. 13 Share with the holy ones according to their needs. Follow the course of hospitality. 14 Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes » (verses 9-16).
This harmony within the Christian congregation is cemented by the expression of unhypocritical brotherly love, characterized by sincere affection (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a).
“Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” 20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good » (verses 17-21).
In the event of a personality clash or serious wrongdoing, one must not fall into the vicious cycle of repaying evil with evil, but rather create a virtuous cycle to overcome evil with good. Jesus Christ exemplified this aspect of love, which is elevated to its highest form in adverse situations:
“You heard that it was said: ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ 39 However, I say to you: Do not resist the one who is wicked, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other also to him. 40 And if a person wants to take you to court and get possession of your inner garment, let him also have your outer garment; 41 and if someone in authority compels you into service for a mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one asking you, and do not turn away from one who wants to borrow from you. 43 “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:38-48).
The Sermon on the Mount and the illustrations of Jesus Christ…
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Table of contents of the http://yomelyah.fr/ website
Reading the Bible daily, this table of contents contains informative Bible articles (Please click on the link above to view it)…
Table of languages of more than seventy languages, with six important biblical articles, written in each of these languages…
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