Romans 12, A Caring Community

Paul has finished his theological treatise and now moves on to application.

Romans 12:1-2, So -- live sacrificial and transformed lives!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

A Bible sage once said, "When you see the word 'therefore' in the Scriptures, you should ask, 'What is it there for?' "  The first word of this chapter announces a new direction.  The previous porition of the letter sets out a systematic argument regarding Christ's work for Gentiles and Jews.  Now Paul turns to practical matters based on this new knowledge.

He begins by emphasizing that this practice does indeed require a "renewing of the mind", thinking in new ways, with a new understanding of the world.

Romans 12:3-5, How to be "sacrificial"

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

There is a simple humility in realizing we are part of a community, the Church (or, in Jesus's terms, "the Kingdom of God".)

Romans 12: 6-8, On spiritual gifts

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 

We each should offer our abilities and talents for the good of this "kingdom".

Romans 12: 9-12, Sincere love

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly 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. 

Paul gives a quick flurry of proverbial instructions.

Romans 12: 13-15, Hospitality and grace

Share with God'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. 

Verse 15 is good advice. The best answer to the grief of a friend is to simply weep with them. Laugh with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.  Be part of their community and their emotions.

Romans 12:16, Harmony and humility

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.  

Another translation of "willing to associate with people of low position" is "be willing to do menial work."  Part of living in harmony as that we stoop to do what needs to be done and don't try to rely on privilege.

Romans 12:17-19, Peace

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 

"Live at peace with everyone" has an important caveat, "as far as it depends on you," which admits that not everyone wants to live in peace!

When dealing with bitterness, strive to let go of it, as it only harms the one who is bitter.  Turn bitterness over to God and if "vengeance" is necessary, don't let it come from you.

The quote in verse 19 is from Deuteronomy 32:35.

Romans 12:20-21, Overcome evil with good

On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I find the Old Testament quote (from Proverbs 25:21-22) rather strange and unusual. The "burning coals" phrase is surely negative, as if doing good to your enemies will discomfort and embarrass them.  But isn't that contradictory to verse 10, where "love must be sincere"?

A colleague was discussing her recognition that many hymns carry a deeply spiritual, inspired message, reflecting the Scriptures.  As an example, she sent me the following hymn which, I think, reflects the emphasis in this chapter on spiritual gifts.

(I don't know is this is readable in the blog, but the hymn begins, "With gifts that differ by your grace your Spirit fits us all, that Christians in each time and place may answer when you call...."  It continues to elaborate on the use of various gifts.  I thank colleague Linda Zientek for this example!)