A significant part of my day is starting in prayer, mediation, and reading the Bible. Often, I read the verse-of-the-day within the chapter of the day offered by K-Love. They always; present a fresh revelation from the Word of God. So, looking for something encouraging and inspiring to feast on today, look no further. I highly recommend Romans Chapter 12, the NLT version. It is a heavenly 5-course meal that stirs your heart and faith in God. I will be your server today.
1. A Living Sacrifice for God
We start with the hors d'oeuvre in verses 1-2, which urges us to present our body as a living sacrifice, well acceptable to God. It is the way to worship Him. And don’t even think about copying the behaviors and customs of the world. Even our thoughts are powerful, and they determine what we believe and how we act. Dear Friend, your thoughts decide your future. Allow God to transform you by changing you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you can secure the promising future He has for you. You will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
2. Your Self Evaluation
Next, we feast on some tasty appetizers found within verses 3-5. Hold on because it is personal. Beloved, don’t think you are better than you are. Be honest about your evaluating of yourself. Your pride and ego will be your downfall, so stay humble. Therefore, do not exaggerate your importance. Develop a sober estimate of yourself in standard with the measure of faith God has given us. Also, recall our body has many parts, each with a unique function. It’s the same with the Body of Christ. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Each of us has a different function that plays a vital role in servicing within the Kingdom of God. We may be the only living walking Bible that brings somebody into an encounter with God.
3. Same God - Different Gifts
We can now enjoy our crisp and colorful salad. We discover God leaves out no one but is generous in blessing us with gifts. You can find several in 12:6-8. He even equips us with everything we need to do them well. For some, it’s the gift of prophecy. Still, many have the ingenuity to serve, even those who teach. Then there are those whose demeanor is filled with such enthusiasm that encouraging others is who they are. Let’s not neglect to give. And remember, this is beyond financial blessings, which is good. We could give of our time a listening ear without judgment or condemnation.
The Lord even instructs us about our role as leaders. It is a serious responsibility that we should never take lightly. Besides, a true leader leads with integrity, zeal, and diligence. One more relevant point, if the Lord has called you to show kindness, allow it to permeate from you like a never-ending fountain of grace. In whatever way you use these gifts, do it generously. Beloved, showcase your abilities, so others will see your good works and glorify God.
4. The True Mark of Christianity ueMark of Christianity
In 9-13, the Lord reminds us once again about the bonafide meaning of love. Prepare for a delicious main course. We must not pretend to love but love others. It is beyond lip service and doing something for what we can get in return. My Friend, it has nothing to do with favors or trying to outdo each other, either. It is all about our heart posture. So, we must hate what is wrong and hold fast to what is good. Let’s practice honoring and celebrating one another.
Even on our job, God wants us to put in our best effort and not be lazy when doing hard work. Work and serve Him with enthusiasm. Then get ready for troublesome times because they are coming. But there is a remedy for that as well. Rejoice in hope. Be patient as you wait for the Lord to come through. And continue praying. Don’t forget to help those in need and practice hospitality. What better means is there to infest the world with faith, hope, and love?
5. Treat People Like God Treats You
Now, who doesn’t love sweets? So, we wrap up our day with a luscious dessert found within verses 14-21. It starts off telling us to bless those who persecute us, don’t curse them. You should pray for the Lord to bless them. God, are you serious? Well, how else can we leave a residue of God’s love behind unless we are Christ-like? Isn’t that the true measure of a Christian? It is the opposite of how the world acts. So, we are happy with those who are happy and weep with anyone who weeps. It is time to live in harmony with each other, even when it’s hard to do. Beloved, spend time with ordinary people, those people of less importance. And stop thinking you know it all. Only God is omniscient. Get over yourself and don’t be conceited.
Here are the last words while sipping on your coffee and indulging in the last morsel of dessert:
Never pay back evil with evil. In everything you do, show that you are honorable.
Beloved, do all you can do to live in peace with everyone, even when they make it impossible.
Dear Friend, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. for the scripture says, “I will take revenge; I will payback,” says the Lord
So feed your enemy when they are hungry.
If they are thirsty, provide them a refreshing drink. In doing this, you will reap burning coals of shame on their heads.
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
I challenge you to saturate yourself in this twenty-first chapter of Romans. You will never be the same.
I hope the musical selection, Act Justly, Love, Mercy, Walk Humbly by Pat Barrett stirs your heart.
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:
In Romans 12:1, God encourages us to present our body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord. How can anyone fulfill this when demanding people to accept them as we are?
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