not avenging yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Truth to Learn There is only one Judge and we need to let Him do His job. Behind the Words The word translated “avenging” in the...
Romans 12:18 – Be At Peace
If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Truth to Learn Christians should be peace-seeking people. Behind the Words The word translated “possible” is dunaton, a word we’ve seen before. It refers to “power, authority, or ability.” Literally, what Paul is saying is, “If...
Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?
Repay no one evil for evil, giving thought to do what is good 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 of apo, meaning...
Romans 12:14 – Blessing, Not Cursing
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not wish them evil. 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 well” and a...
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 think too highly of yourselves. Truth to Learn Who we compare ourselves to affects what we think of ourselves. Behind the Words “Mind” is translated from...
Romans 12:15 – Give and Take
Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping. Truth to Learn Sharing in grief means taking, but sharing in joy means giving. Behind the Words “Rejoicing” comes from the Greek word chairo, which means “to be full of cheer, that is, calmly happy.” It...
Romans 12:13 – Pursuit of Generosity
distributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing 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 in common” or “to share things...
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 from elpis, which means,...
Romans 12:11 – Diligent Spiritual Service
in diligence, not slothful, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Truth to Learn A Christian’s life should be characterized by diligent service. Behind the Words “Slothful” is from oknēros, from the verb okneō, meaning “to be slow, to be lazy, or to delay.” The word translated “diligence” is spoudē,...
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. It is philostorgos, which is...