Romans__12
Scripture
Romans 12:9-10
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Observation - What does it say?
Paul closes chapter 11 by reminding us how great and big God is and how big his love is for us. Verse 33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” He then enters chapter 12 by imploring us to live in a manner worthy of our calling, worthy of the greatness of God. As the chapter progresses, Paul shifts into practical ways that we can live and show his love.
Understanding - What does it mean?
I recently read through Proverbs 13, which gives a similar practicality to how we live and treat those around us. Verse three says, “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” This verse got me thinking about the times where I have, haven’t, or have wanted to tell someone about how they have done me wrong. Or even worse, when I have opened my mouth to offer someone “advise,” which was really meant as criticism of what they were doing. Some of those words have been hurtful, wrong, and caused a separation in any opportunity I might have had to share the message of Jesus dying on the cross to set us free.
During our pre-marital counseling, our counselors told us that it is okay to argue. Their caveat was, “You can never use the words always or never.” The reason behind this is these are polarizing words, and they are words that cannot be tested against time. Like when Jen says, “You always leave the toilet seat up.” Or when I say, “You never bake me cookies.” Not only are these things not true, they will never stand the test of time. Additionally, always and never tend to go into areas of character, which are the most vulnerable areas in an argument.
Our words, especially to those closest to us, have immense power. We have the ability to raise someone up over time, and in an instant we tear them down with one stupid comment. James discuses this in chapter three of his letter, comparing the tongue with the rudder. Jesus tells us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. He was trying to warn us to be simple and truthful with the words we use with one another.
Life Application