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...
Romans 12:9 – Sacrificial Evidence
Let love be sincere. 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 “sincere” is the Greek word anupokritos, which is a compound word made up of a, meaning “without” and a...
Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving
the one who is exhorting, in exhortation; the one who is giving, with simplicity; the one who is leading, with diligence; the one who is showing mercy, with cheerfulness. Truth to Learn Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ. Behind the Words The...
Romans 12:7 – His Gifts, His Choice
or service, let us use it in our serving; the one teaching, in the teaching; Truth to Learn We all have gifts to be used within the church, but God determines which gift or gifts we have been given. Behind the Words The word that is translated “service” is...
Romans 12:6 – Benevolent or Malignant
But having different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; Truth to Learn Each Christian is gifted for the benefit of the body of Christ. Behind the Words Paul begins the verse with a coordinating conjunction...