Romans 12: 9 - 21

 Romans 12: 9 - 21

In verses 1 through 8, Paul guides us toward maturity in our internal life. It is reasonable that we would begin on the inside. Maturity, faith, and spirituality all begin with a heart change. We need not master or perfect our inner self before we begin working on our external relational life. We will never achieve perfection in this life, either internally or externally. But the inner life is the springboard for our relational life. In the balance of this chapter, Paul directs our relational life into two points. In verses 9-13, he talks about relationships within the church, and in verses 14-21, he addresses life in the relationships to the world at large. Certainly there would be some crossover and multiple applications, but the life here described would be highly attractive to the watching world.

In verses 9-13, we see sort of a chain of 10 characteristics we ought to pursue, especially in the context of our life within the church community. As we look at these 10 characteristics or behaviors, we see that while unique, they also are linked and lead into each other. For example, when love is without hypocrisy, we will naturally hate evil passionately and hold tightly to what is good. We are not seeing independent truths unrelated to each other but rather as we mature in one, we will tend to mature in another. Also notice that these traits can't exist or operate in isolation or independently from the other people. Too many believers have no contact with other Christians and therefore no opportunity to practice and develop these characteristics. One hour a week in a worship service is not nearly enough connection to grow or develop in these areas.

In verses 14 through 21, we see seven traits that generally deal with life as it relates to non-Christians. But it can have applications with fellow believers. By and large, these characteristics and traits teach us how to deal with problem or difficult people. Ideally, we would only find these outside of the faith, but not always. This behavioral description is profound in many ways but especially in its stark realism. This is no silly pie-in-the-sky, cutie pie, and rainbow's denial of the ugly reality that we face. This is the advice of someone who has suffered greatly but found grace for the living.

The life described in Romans 12 is both idealistic and reasonable. A life so lived would bring inner peace and would be very attractive to unbelievers. Rather than trying to attract crowds with shows, we ought to live a life of holy beauty. That will lift Christ up and He will draw all men to Himself.

“Lord, help me to live a life that will draw all people to Christ. AMEN”