I really liked reading Romans 12. It had some really good things in it!
The first thing Romans 12 talked about was how we should worship God. Then it says: Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT). This verse is talking about how when you are worshiping God it should be between you and him. You should worship to please him. Not because it is the cool thing to do. If you worship God the way that is good for you and that has an impact on you then you will please God.
Second Romans 12 talks about is how we each have different gifts. We should use these gifts to help bring glory to God. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. (Romans 12:6 NLT). What is one of your gifts?
Third Romans 12 talks about how you should always be ready to help others and you should love others as well. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (11) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:10-11 NLT).
The last thing Romans 12 talks about is really explaining the golden rule. It says that if someone is rude to you you should should try not to be rude back. Instead you should try to act honorable and try to help them with whatever they need. It also says that you should leave the judging to God. It says: Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." (Romans 12:20 NLT).
This blog is for the youth at Impact Church, or anyone else that wants to join us to read through the Bible together.
8 comments:
(NIV)
“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.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This verse made me think a little bit on how i should treat others when they are mad at me. The right thing to do is to still be nice to them and then they will think, "Why are you doing this? I was just acting really bad to you."
I wouldn't know what to say to that question. But all I know is that it is most likely to solve the problem between you and the other person.
Carter, your father had a way of putting this that was so neat. When he came across someone acting rude and opposing him in rude ways, instead of getting mad back at them, he would sometimes agree with them and be kind. The person would be so shocked at his reaction that they stop what they're doing and look bewildered.
And if the person is so caught up in their own anger and rudeness, sometimes they end up shocking themselves with their own rudeness which will make them think about what they are doing and change.
He would describe it like the person doing evil to you is pushing on the door to get in and hurt you and you're pushing back on the door to keep them out. Not returning evil with evil is like stepping aside and letting their pushing just burst the door open. Then if they don't stop the evil they end up bursting into the room and slamming themselves against the wall. Talk about allowing someone to notice their own sin! What a witness.
I like verses 14 - 18
It talks about be kind to people who are not kind to you. Verse 14 says "Bless those who persecute you and don't curse them." And in verse 17 it says "Repay none evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all."
These verses are saying to be kind to your enemy and not only be kind, but be honorable to them. I think this is a very cool verse because if you act kind to a person that might be mad at you, they will think that is very unusual of someone to do that. It might even plant a seed in them because of your unusual behavior. They might stop and think, "why is this person being nice to me?" If you follow this verse, it can greatly impact other's lives.
That was Brian
WOW ROMANS 12 WAS AWESOME!!! I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT THE ENTIRE CHAPTER!!!!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
We should not be distracted by what the world says is acceptable. Some people will tell you that your faith is a waste of time, or they will lead you down the wrong path. What I really like about this verse is it says, "discern what is the will of God". This does not mean if we are Christians will will one day become enlightened by God, but instead we have to strive to know the will of God.
4For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
Everyone has different gifts and one is not better than the other. If everyone was gifted in worship, we would have nobody to serve by setting up. Therefore everyone should not be ashamed of their gift and work together to form one body in Christ.
6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
I loved these verses because it spells out how verses 4-5 work. It breaks down some spiritual gifts and how we should use them.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9 (ESV)
Here Paul lists characteristics of the true christian. I really like the first part of the verse, "Let love be genuine". This means that a true christian does not just go through the motions. If you are helping someone, do it from the heart! Don't help someone reluctantly or because you know its right.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14 (ESV)
What???? That's hard!! Verse 19 makes me feel a lot better.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Romans 12:19 (ESV)
God will repay the vengeance for you. This does not give you a reason to dwell on thinking bad things for a person. But it means you should leave judgment to God.
I like how it says bless your enemies.
Wow! This is an awesome chapter to end the year with, I love how The Message states verses 14-19; 14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Very convicting for me and very convicting! ;)
Sue Lloyd (Jackie's Mom)
I liked v. 21 overcome evil with good.
Good isn't weaker than evil or evenly balanced like the world wants people to think. God is good which means good can always overcome evil no matter how impossible it seems. This verse motivates me to not lash out in anger or hit back. I like what Mrs. Hinkle said about Mr. Hinkle being kind to people. I need to do that too.
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