Chapter 12 of Romans began with the exhortation to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices which is our act of worship. As we have read through this chapter, the Apostle Paul provides for us a road map in how to live out the sacrificial life. In our verses today, it has much to do about personal relationships and how we would respond to one another and toward those who don't agree with us or believe the way we do.
Our verses begin with the idea that if someone comes against you, bless them! Why is this so different from the world? The world says fight back, stand your ground etc, but we are invited to bless--why? Because God desires to touch their lives as well as yours and if you respond the way the world does, how are they going to see Jesus in you? The goal is to live in harmony as much as possible with others and to work at it! Relationships are not always easy but they are worth the effort we put into them. It is so crucial that we have a healthy estimate of ourselves in such a way that we do not look down on anyone--no matter what!
The goal is peace! Peace in your own heart. Peace in your relationships with those who are not only like you but those who are different. All have been created by God and He loves all without prejudice and we are to be like Him! If we will love the way we are encouraged to in the Scriptures, if we will see that all we say and do is to be to the glory of God, then, and only then, will be be able to "overcome evil with good."
A simple prayer for today: Lord, help me to live my life in such a way that I love the way You love so that others may be drawn to You through me.
Tomorrow we will look at Romans 13:1-7