A Daily Devotion for Tuesday, July 28
- ontrakk
- 44 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Romans 12:14-21
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 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.
Probably I have been more of a peacekeeper in my life than one who adds to conflict. In all honesty, this is largely because I cannot tolerate conflict. I avoid it at all costs. This is not always a good thing, but in the context of today’s reading, I will consider it a “win.” Maybe the lesson for me here is that simply avoiding conflict is not always enough. Sometimes we need to take part in resolving the conflict. I will not ever be one who seeks out conflict, but I will do my best to participate in its resolution, moving forward.
Holy Lord, help me to resist avoiding conflict when I can instead take a role in resolving it, living in peace whenever possible. Amen
Becky, transforming
Romans 12:14-21
The focus verse in this passage is the one that stood out as I read the whole - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Paul seems to acknowledge there may be people with whom we simply cannot get along despite our best efforts to do so. The best way to handle those situations may simply be to go our separate ways. Those who do not love the Lord will not help me serve Him. However, there may be times when separation is less of an option - job, congregation, extended family - and Paul’s teaching still applies. He writes, “as far as it depends on you.” Despite disagreement,…