The Resistance - Day 30
Day 30: Friday, March 10
Read Romans 12:9-21
Highlight
This passage is in three sections: verses 9-13 focus on relationships between Christians, verses 17-21 focus on relationships between Christians and those who are not, and verses 14-16 apply to both. The context of this whole section is love, which we should “cling to.” This carries the image of marriage - in a similar way a husband leaves his family and clings to his wife, so we should be devoted and committed to loving one another.
In regards to forgiveness, verse 19 reminds us that taking revenge for the wrongs done to us is wrong. Not only does it attempt to overcome evil with more evil (verse 21), but it treads on territory that belongs to God. He is the only good and all-knowing Judge, and Christians are to trust that the sin of those who hurt them will be punished by God. It is God’s realm to distribute the punishments and consequences of sin, not ours. But Christians can be comforted by this: ultimate punishment for sin will come to be. Either that punishment will be experienced through eternal separation from God, or that punishment will be paid by the sacrifice of Jesus. Either way, God will deal justly with the sin committed against you. This frees us up to focus on what we have been called to do: forgive as we have been forgiven.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Romans 12:9-21
Highlight
This passage is in three sections: verses 9-13 focus on relationships between Christians, verses 17-21 focus on relationships between Christians and those who are not, and verses 14-16 apply to both. The context of this whole section is love, which we should “cling to.” This carries the image of marriage - in a similar way a husband leaves his family and clings to his wife, so we should be devoted and committed to loving one another.
In regards to forgiveness, verse 19 reminds us that taking revenge for the wrongs done to us is wrong. Not only does it attempt to overcome evil with more evil (verse 21), but it treads on territory that belongs to God. He is the only good and all-knowing Judge, and Christians are to trust that the sin of those who hurt them will be punished by God. It is God’s realm to distribute the punishments and consequences of sin, not ours. But Christians can be comforted by this: ultimate punishment for sin will come to be. Either that punishment will be experienced through eternal separation from God, or that punishment will be paid by the sacrifice of Jesus. Either way, God will deal justly with the sin committed against you. This frees us up to focus on what we have been called to do: forgive as we have been forgiven.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance