Romans 12:17 - Reactive or Proactive? Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Truth to Learn We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive. Behind the Words The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up...
Romans 12:16 – Right-minded Thinking
Romans 12:16 - Right-minded Thinking Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Truth to Learn Who we compare ourselves to affects what we think of ourselves. Behind the...
Romans 12:15 – Give and Take
Romans 12:15 - Give and Take Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Truth to Learn Sharing in grief means taking, but sharing in joy means giving. Behind the Words “Rejoice” comes from the Greek word chairo, which means “to be full of cheer, that is,...
Romans 12:14 – Blessing, Not Cursing
Romans 12:14 - Blessing, Not Cursing Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Truth to Learn Being Christ-like is really, really hard - but not impossible. Behind the Words The word translated “bless” is eulogeō, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good or...
Romans 12:13 – Pursuit of Generosity
Romans 12:13 - Pursuit of Generosity distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Truth to Learn Selfless sharing is a sure sign of a committed Christian. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “distributing” is koinonointes, which is derived from the word koinonia, meaning “to have things...
Romans 12:12 – Guided Journey
Romans 12:12 - Guided Journey rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; Truth to Learn Hope, patience, and steadfastness can be ours in Christ. Behind the Words “Rejoicing” is translated from chairontes, meaning “to be full of cheer,” or “to be calmly happy.” The word “hope” is...
Romans 12:11 – Diligent Spiritual Service
Romans 12:11 - Diligent Spiritual Service not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Truth to Learn A Christian’s life should be characterized by diligent service. Behind the Words “Lagging” is from oknēros, from the verb okneō, meaning “to be slow, to be lazy, or to delay.” The...
Romans 12:10 – Being an Example
Romans 12:10 - Being an Example Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Truth to Learn Christians are to treat other Christians in a special way. Behind the Words The word translated “kindly affectionate” is found nowhere else in the Bible....
Romans 12:9 – Sacrificial Evidence
Romans 12:9 - Sacrificial Evidence Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Truth to Learn Here is the evidence of a living sacrifice. Behind the Words The word translated “without hypocrisy” is the Greek word anupokritos, which is a compound word made up...
Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving
Romans 12:8 - Joy In Serving he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Truth to Learn Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ. Behind the Words The word translated “exhortation”...