9Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10Love each other with genuine affection,e and take delight in honoring each other. 11Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.f 12Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. (Romans 12:9-19 (NLT)
It is interesting that EVERY single one of these statements indicates an INVESTMENT on the part of the believer. God does not call us to simply be saved – He calls us to behave! He calls us to behave in ways that demonstrate our salvation, and our love and thanksgiving for Jesus for saving us. We are called to be intentional as we love, and yes hate – to hold tightly, take delight, be patient, help people and practice hospitality, to bless people and enjoy people. Moreover, we are called by God to Never curse people but pray for them, and NEVER take revenge, or return evil with evil. These are all behaviors that we are in control of – behaviors that we can choose (or not choose, as the case may be). God calls us to action for more than international missions and mega-church building project; He calls us to be INTENTIONAL about making our worlds a better place. Together, we can extend the kingdom of God and make His world a better place. What’s the old saying? “Preach the Gospel always; use words when necessary.” Submit yourself to the will of your Savior and Lord and be intentional about the rest of the world knowing it!
It is interesting that EVERY single one of these statements indicates an INVESTMENT on the part of the believer. God does not call us to simply be saved – He calls us to behave! He calls us to behave in ways that demonstrate our salvation, and our love and thanksgiving for Jesus for saving us. We are called to be intentional as we love, and yes hate – to hold tightly, take delight, be patient, help people and practice hospitality, to bless people and enjoy people. Moreover, we are called by God to Never curse people but pray for them, and NEVER take revenge, or return evil with evil. These are all behaviors that we are in control of – behaviors that we can choose (or not choose, as the case may be). God calls us to action for more than international missions and mega-church building project; He calls us to be INTENTIONAL about making our worlds a better place. Together, we can extend the kingdom of God and make His world a better place. What’s the old saying? “Preach the Gospel always; use words when necessary.” Submit yourself to the will of your Savior and Lord and be intentional about the rest of the world knowing it!
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