Romans ~ Part 33

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As I’ve stressed in my previous post, our journey to comprehend the profound significance of Sha’ul’s Letter to the Romans is not just a study but a crucial cornerstone of our faith.

Believer’s Life and Conduct ~ Part 2

Consider how you respond to those who oppose your beliefs or actions in public life. Romans 12 encourages peace. If you encounter hostility in discussions or social media, listen and ask questions with a heart of understanding instead of responding in anger. This approach not only diffuses tension but can also present a Messiah-like example to others in that space.

Show Love Through Deeds

12 ⁹ Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil and cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love, and set examples for each other in showing respect. ¹¹ Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. ¹² Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. ¹³ Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.

Each Believer has their spiritual service but verses 9–13 tell us how every Believer should behave in the Family of God. Love should be honest and without hypocrisy (see 1 John 3:18). We should hate evil and cling to the good (see Psalms 97:10). Love should lead to kindness, humility, faithfulness in business, and zeal in spiritual things. Note how the characteristics mentioned in this section parallel the Fruit of the Spirit that Sha’ul describes in Galatians 5:22–23.

Believers in the local Kehilah should care for each other and share. Note how the prayer of v. 12 is followed by the care of v. 13. 1 Kefa 4:9 tells us to stop complaining when we open our homes to others. Unspiritual hospitality is pictured in Proverbs 23:6–8. See also Luke 14:12–14; 1 Timothy 3:2 and 5:10; Hebrews. 13:2; 3 John 6–8.

Show Love in Relationships

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you—bless them, don’t curse them! ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Be sensitive to each other’s needs—don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good. ¹⁸ If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. ¹⁹ Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger, for in the Tanakh, it is written,

“Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’ ” (Deuteronomy 32:41)

²⁰ On the contrary,

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

For by doing this, you will heap

fiery coals [of shame] on his head.” (Proverbs 25:21–22)

²¹ Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. ^[1]

Believers have their battles and blessings, and Sha’ul instructs us how to handle those who oppose the Word. This may be one of the most challenging passages we, as Believers, must never forget! We are to bless them (Mattityahu 5:10–12) and not curse. Of course, no Believer should get into trouble because of wrong living (1 Kefa 2:11–25). We should have sympathy (v. 15), and humility (v. 16), for selfishness and pride, generate ill will. Believers are never to “payback” their opponents; instead, we should wait for God to repay (v. 19), either in this life or in the future judgment.

Try to do what everyone regards as good (v. 17), which suggests that the Believer lives in a “glass house” and must be aware of the scrutiny of others. “I’m going to live my own life!” is a sinful attitude for a Believer, in the light of Romans 14:7–8. People are watching us, and we should live peaceably with all people as much as possible. Of course, we cannot compromise with sin or have a “peace at any price” attitude. The attitude and spirit of Mattityahu 5:38–48 will help us be “peacemakers” (Mattityahu 5:9).

As I noted above, in verses 19–21, Sha’ul refers to Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 25:21–22. The principle stated here is that the Believer has turned himself over to the Lord (12:1–2), and therefore, the Lord must take care of him and help fight his battles. We need spiritual wisdom (Ya’akov 1:5) when dealing with the enemies of the cross, lest we be a lousy testimony on the one hand or cheapen the Gospel on the other. Sha’ul used the Roman Law on three occasions to protect himself and the testimony of the Gospel (see Acts 16:35–40; 22:24–29; 25:10–12), yet he was willing to become all things to all men that he might win some to Yeshua. If we practice Romans 12:1–2 daily, we can be sure He will direct us in obeying the rest of the chapter.

In our next post, we will continue our theme, Believer’s Life and Conduct.

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^[1] Romans 12:9–21.