Love In Action

Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

            Romans is another letter written by Paul. It is to the church in Rome as a preparation for his visit to this church and a defense of his message and mission to the Gentiles (1). Through this letter, Paul explains how God brought salvation to all people through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This meant that Gentiles, or non-Jews, did not need to convert to Judaism in order to be acceptable to God. God’s acceptance is not based on Law, not even His final commandment to love Him and love others. It is based on Jesus’s blood that paid the price for all humanity (1). To the Jews, it appeared that this new sacrifice was a betrayal of the Law God had given to Israel in the Old Testament. But on the contrary, Paul’s letter tells us that God remained faithful to the Jews AND found a way to save the entire world with Israel (1).

            In Romans 12, Paul introduces the concept of the church, or all believers, being of one body, the body of Christ. Christians are to be united in this, that they love one another and to live at peace with one another. Each person is unique in their abilities, which represent the various parts of the body, but they all work together to keep the body functioning (Rom. 12:3-8; 1).

Read Romans 12:9-21

            Paul lists out various actions that the church should exemplify in their everyday interactions with one another. All of these actions together create a peaceful environment within the group of believers. These are not common or comfortable actions to always commit to. Sometimes it can be difficult to be hospitable, to be joyful in hope, to honor others above one’s self, or to repay a wrong from someone with love. This is an example of how Christ’s death and resurrection fulfills the Law, rather than abolishing it. It takes the 10 commandments a step further, with the key focus of showing unconditional love to one another.

            While Paul was addressing a church that existed nearly 2000 years ago, Romans 12 is very relevant to all believers today. Our faith cannot be based on how we feel, emotionally or physically. Otherwise, the things Paul asks of believers in Romans 12 would be impossible to uphold. This also highlights the importance of daily study in the Word. It takes a mental decision daily to choose to do all that Christ commands us to do as Christians. By reading the Word daily, it is easy to remember God’s promises, His faithfulness, and also what we should be doing to further our faith and share with others who need to hear Christ’s message.

           

            What do you do to renew your faith daily? Is there anything you would like to change in order to help you make the decision daily to follow Christ?

1. Schenck, Kenneth. Jesus Is Lord!: an Introduction to the New Testament. Triangle Publishing, 2009.