“A SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS” ROMANS 12:9-21 SOME EXHORTATIONS TO BELIEVERS DEALING WITH RELATIONSHIPS

After the grand Apostle Paul had admonished these believers to dedicate their bodies and minds to God (vs. 1-2), he now gives some short exhortations dealing with relationships (vs. 9-16).   First of all, Paul urged that “love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy)” (v. 9).  As believers, our love should be without pretense or deceit.  If we genuinely love others, it will manifest itself in good works.  The opposite of love is to hate and there is a place for hatred.  We are exhorted in verse 9 to “abhor that which is evil.  We are to hate all forms of evil.  By contrast, we are to “cleave to that which is good.”

Continuing with his previous admonition to love, Paul said – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (v. 10).  Not only should we have love for mankind in general, but we are to express special family love toward other believers.  In addition to expressing love toward other believers, Paul went on to say that – “In honour preferring one another.”  In other words, we need to place others’ interest before our own.  In verse 11, Paul exhorts all believers to be zealous in our Christian duties; moreover, there is no place for half-heartedness in God’s work.  We should not be lazy and lag behind in our zeal for God’s work!

As we zealously serve in God’s work, we should not lose sight of the hope that makes service worthwhile (v. 12).  As we serve, stay focused on the Lord’s return, for it will enable you to be “patient in tribulation.”  And a devoted prayer life will also help one to remain steadfast and loyal to God as one undergoes the pressures of life (v. 12).  Paul also exhorted these believers to extend their hospitality to others, which included helping the poor and entertaining visitors who were moving from place to place (v. 13).  In verses 9-13, Paul had talked about actions we (Christians) should demonstrate toward others; but, now he discusses how we are to react toward the actions on the part of others (vs. 14-16).  Persecution can easily bring out the worst in us; however, Paul admonishes us to bless and not curse the persecutors (v. 14).  By doing so, we are expressing Christ’s love for them!  We are also urged strongly to empathize with people in all circumstances, for verse 15 says – “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”  In our relationships with others, we need to avoid having a haughty mind, for it will never bring about harmonious relations nor achieve unity of purpose (v. 16).  In exhibiting honest and honorable behavior, Christians can eliminate any excuses persecutors may have; thus, as the believers conduct themselves in an honorable way, they will be contributing to peace (vs. 17-18).

Finally, instead of a believer trying to take revenge after they had been mistreated, Paul admonished us to trust in God’s promise to execute vengeance.  By trusting in God’s promise, we will continue to extend deeds of kindness, even when we have been wronged.  By helping an enemy and not cursing him, we may cause an enemy to be remorseful and stir him to repentance (vs. 19-20).  Paul summarizes this beautiful section of exhortations by saying – “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (v. 21).

May God Bless!