Reflection of the week

By Linda Sutton

Posted Sep  6, 2017 in Faith

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

- Romans 12 9-17 (NIV)

Paul is not as stern as usual in the above passage, as he speaks about love in action and gently encourages the church family to practice holy living. What he’s advising is not always easy.

How much easier it is, for me, to keep the commandment to love my neighbour, than to keep the peace within the church family. I should heed the philosophy of Voltaire – to respect the right of others to their opinion, even when I don’t agree with it. Forgiveness can be a big ‘ask’ too, when the wounds are raw.

Paul advocates reconciliation and love, instead of resentment and conceit.

Prayer

Lord God, who forgives the worst I can do, give me the will to also graciously forgive those who have wounded my spirit, so that I can replace resentment with love. In your name, Lord, I pray. Amen.

This reflection has been written and shared by Linda Sutton. Some parts have been edited by New Times.

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