Letters From PaulIsampula

PREPARE

Take a moment to quiet your heart as you set aside today’s distractions.

Ask God to prepare you to read and receive his holy Word.

READ: Romans 12:9–18

Dear Friend,

Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.

Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.

If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.

Sincerely,

Paul

REFLECT

This letter contains instructions that probably surprised some of Paul’s Roman audience: Ask God to bless your enemies? Don’t seek revenge when someone sins against you? Show love to everyone? How do you react to these instructions?

Elsewhere in his letter to the Romans, Paul reminds us that Jesus died for us while we were still enemies of God (Romans 5:10). How does this verse affect the way you approach people who mistreat you?

How can you show sincere love to someone today?

PRAY

Paul tells us to “Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.” Pray and praise God for someone who is rejoicing in God’s blessings in their life. Then pray for someone who is walking through suffering or heartache. As the Spirit leads, reach out to both people today and let them know that you are praying for them.