If you haven't read it in a while, this chapter is full of practical advice and encouragements. In my opinion, it's the Apostle Paul's magnum opus! It makes you feel so hopeful to read his exhortations!
As I was reading this chapter this morning, I noticed an assignment that I had given myself at some time in the past.
So, I decided today was the day to fulfill that assignment. Sometimes it helps se to see something arranged a little differently. Maybe this will impact you today? Here we go:DO:
Make your love sincere
Hate what is evil
Cling to what is good
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
Honor one another above yourself
Keep your spiritual fervor
Be joyful in hope
Be patient in affliction
Be faithful in prayer
Share with God's people who are in need
Practice hospitality
Bless those who persecute you
Rejoice with those who rejoice
Mourn with those who mourn
Live in harmony with one another
Be willing to associate with people of low position
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone
Live at peace with everyone
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink
Overcome evil with good
DON'T:
Be lacking in zeal
Be proud
Be conceited
Repay anyone evil for evil
Take revenge
Be overcome by evil
Kind and Gracious God,
This is quite a list that the great Apostle Paul has given us through Your Spirit! Taken individually, not one of them is really hard. But the list - as a whole - is overwhelming to us.
We could only accomplish this kind of life with the constant help of Your Holy Spirit! Fortunately, You stand ready to help us every minute of every day - and are especially near when the going gets tough [which is now for many people].
Stand by our side and walk with us through these challenging days! We want our lives to be 100% pleasing to You! For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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