Day 227: Unpacking Romans 12-Good Overcomes Evil

Romans 12:21

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, on light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

-Martin Luther King Jr.

These wise words were spoken by Martin Luther King Jr. at a time in history when segregation, and discrimination based on race had come to a boiling point in America. Black people, and people of color in America were oppressed simply because of the color of our skin. Many were: beat, killed, lynched, jailed, raped, turned down from jobs,, spit on, hosed down with fire hoses, attacked by police, attacked by police dogs, etc. This was all because there was a hate for the color of their skin. Martin Luther King had been put in jail multiple times, led peaceful protests, and gave beautiful speeches. As a God-fearing man, he refused to fight fire with fire, but he also stood up for what he believed in, no matter the cost. Kind of like Paul.  

Now when I planned this series, never did I think that I would be addressing this specific subject on this day. I am referring to the events in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend. Where hate has once again led to violence, pain, and death. I’m reminded of this scripture in light of everything going on, that we as a people, the body of Christ cannot be overcome by this. Especially my brothers and sisters of color, as it can be intimidating and scary to think that the color of your skin, something God gave you and He views as beautiful, trust me it wasn’t a mistake; however it is disheartening to think that something as simple as your skin tone can get you killed. Even in this dark truth I encourage you all to find hope in the Lord. To not be overcome by the hate we face each and everyday and what we see on television and social media. The only way we can overcome the evils of this world is by doing good. Evil cannot beat good. Hate cannot beat love. Dark cannot be light. Fear cannot beat hope. So today I want to encourage the body of Christ to love in the face of hate, to do good in the face of  evil. Be a light in the dark. I know that it hurts us, and not just the black and hispanic community, but we as the body of Christ should all be grieved by the fact that our brothers and sisters are being hurt, attacked, and murdered because of hate.

We have been seeing this for centuries. Not just in American History, but the history of the world. Even in the bible, the rifts between the Jew and Samaritans. The Hebrew people who were enslaved by the Egyptians. None of this is new, but we must be able to see it through the filter of God’s eyes. I cannot tell you why this type of stuff happens or why it has to happen but I can tell you that God is bigger than all of it. God’s love and light never runs out. As long as we know who is for us, we will never run out of hope.

All this to say, even in the midst of all this, it is our job to pray for those who persecute us. To do good to those who curse us. Now is the time, more than ever, to put everything that we talk about and preach about into action. We are called to love, we know this. But please don’t let your love be tainted by hate. Don’t let the good in you be taken away by evil. I beg of you, as hard as it may be, don’t run out of hope. Don’t stop seeing the bright side, there’s always a bright side. In the face of evil, don’t forget that God is good. God is love.

Reflection

1. How are you feeling?
2. How do you feel about the state of the world?

Prayer Time

Take the time to pray for the state of our nation. Pray for those affected by racism and those who are racist. Pray that love continues to conquer hate. Have an honest conversation with God.

I love you so much! I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 228!

Day 226: Unpacking Romans 12- Recap!

This week we started a new series, 'Unpacking Romans Twelve'. We are not done with the series just yet, we will continue with it into next week. However we will still do our weekly recap. So, here it goes.

Day 219: Renew Your Mind 

We started the week off with Romans 12:2, speaking about renewing our mind and changing our mindset. We talked about how when we become Christians, the way we think and the way we view the world and everything in it also changes. We talked about being likeminded with Christ. Other scriptures we focused on today were, Isaiah 55:7-9 and Matthew 22:37.

"If our mind is not renewed our life cannot be renewed. If we are still moving and thinking the same way we did when we were in the world, how are we ever going to grow in Christ. A worldly mindset does not work in a Christian body."

Day 220: One Body, Different Functions

Today we focused on Romans 12:3-8. We talked about how we are all one in Christ, yet we are all different. We talked about how we use our differences to come together to elevate the body of Christ. We also touched on how we are all equal and we are not to look down on anyone.

"We are one in Christ and nothing should divide us. We are meant to function together as one body. Yes, we are different, but we are also one in the same."

Day 221: A True Christian

Today we focused on Romans 12:9-10, we talked about the makings of a True Christian. We talked about how we are too often caught up in being a "good christian" that the truth behind our christianity fades becomes it becomes more of an image to keep up, instead of a lifestyle. We talked about being genuine and not showing fake love to people in order for us to look good as a Christian.

" A lot of times, our motives have a lot to do with how we act and ultimately how we treat each other. We have to ask ourselves why we do things sometimes, what our motives are. Are we doing something for someone because we really love them or because it will make us look or feel good?"

Day 222: Going after God

Today we focused on Romans 12:11-12, we talked about chasing after God. One of the big themes we discussed today, is knowing the difference between wanting God and needing God. We talked about how we must want God more than anything else. We discussed really having a passion for God. Other scriptures we referred to was, Jeremiah 29:13.

"One of the things I’ve learned within my almost twenty-five years of living is, need gives up drive, want puts passion behind that drive."

Day 223: Hospitality

Today we focused on Romans 12:13, and you guessed it, we talked about hospitality. We talked about how as Christians we should make all people feel welcomed and loved. We talked about how also the church should be more hospitable when it comes to welcoming strangers, or sinners.

"We must learn to welcome people with open arms and make them feel like they are loved, like they are a part of this beautiful community God has created. We never know what people are going through and one hospitable act from us could literally change the course of someone’s life."

Day 224: Bless Those Who Curse You

Today we focused on Romans 12:14, and we talked about soft answers. We talked about praying for the people who prey on us. We also talked about how those very people need our love the most and how they are probably trying to cover up their own hurt. Another scripture we focused on today was Proverbs 15:1.

" So many times I think that when we are called to turn the other cheek, or bless those who curse us, it is just as much for them as it is for us. While our faith might be being tested someone is being healed. It’s much deeper than just getting the last laugh or proving that you are mature."

I love you and I hope you have, had, or are currently having an amazing and beautiful day. We will continue this series tomorrow, be sure to come back then for Day 227. I love you!

Day 225: Unpacking Romans 12- Bless Those Who Curse You

Romans 12:14

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

One thing I’ve grown up being old is, “Kill them with kindness.” Meaning don’t treat people the same way they treat you. Don’t be mean just because they are being mean to you, the best thing you can do is kill them with kindness. Now I’m sure many of us have gotten to a point when we say, there’s only so much kindness to give, and eventually you’ll want to get back at them, whoever “them” is. You get tired of people being rude or disrespectful and want to tell them what’s on your mind.  Sometimes it’s hard not to say anything or do anything back to the people who intentionally try to hurt you or stir you up, especially when they know the exact buttons to push. But boy is it so rewarding. It’s so rewarding and a bit funny to see the reaction you will get when you refuse to get angry with someone.

One of the lessons I’ve learned is to just laugh it off. I am very sarcastic and I know it can be annoying to people who try to get to me. But I’ve learned that two angry people can get nowhere. It just turns into a screaming match, of who can scream the loudest and who can get the last word. I can get angry and stirred up, but when alls said and done, what will I have accomplished? Nothing. The best thing to do is diffuse the fire before it gets out of hand. I believe that this is the lesson here. God is telling us to turn the other cheek. He’s telling us not to get riled up and angry, but instead pray that He will bless the people who are out to get you. Pray the best for them. They are God’s children as well, that is very important to remember. We can take an example from Jesus, as with everything in life. Jesus was persecuted in the worst way, He was beat and spit on. He was talked about, but He responded with love. Even as the people were nailing Him to the cross He said “father forgive them for they know not what they do.” He knew that there was a bigger picture. He could have been angry at them, but instead He chose to forgive them, instead He chose to love them. When we think about it, it’s truly a beautiful image. To set yourself aside for the very person that is harming you and bringing you a world of pain.

My mom would always tell us growing up, “hurt people, Hurt people.” Meaning people who are hurt, do not want to hurt alone. You never really know why someone is treating you the way they are. Sometimes people act out because they themselves are hurting and they want someone to either feel the pain they feel or feel something worse. It’s a messed up disposition but it’s real. So many times I think that when we are called to turn the other cheek, or bless those who curse us, it is just as much for them as it is for us. While our faith might be being tested someone is being healed. It’s much deeper than just getting the last laugh or proving that you are mature.

All this to say, love everyone, even the ones that are hard to love. Bless the people that constantly curse you. In the end you will be proud of yourself for not engaging and you give the other person a chance to inspect themselves.

Reflection

1. Have you ever been in the position where you had to walk away from someone who was angry with you?
2. How are was it?
3. Can you see the bigger picture in blessing the people who curse you and giving a soft answer?
4. What is it?

Prayer Time

Allow your answers to the above questions guide your prayer today. Ask God to help you learn to pray for those who curse you and help you hold your tongue. Pray for self-control. Whatever is on your heart today, talk to God about it.

I love you, and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for day 226!

Day 224: Unpacking Romans 12- Hospitality

Romans 12:13

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Hospitality

-the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.

-the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.

-kindness in welcoming strangers or guests

-receptiveness

According to all the above definitions hospitality is about receptiveness. It’s about welcoming others with a warm spirit. Following the theme of being a true Christian. Hospitality is part of the calling of a christian. The way we treat people, especially those who are strangers to us. It’s all about how we make them feel. The vibe that we give off. It’s easy to get along with the people we know and like, but how do we treat people that we don’t know? This is an interesting question because as humans we are accustomed to comfort. Meaning we have our circles and we have our people that we are most comfortable around, and that’s okay. But how often do we make those that are new feel uncomfortable or unwelcomed? We as Christians make these exclusive circles and people who are “not on our level”, get looked over because we are too busy on our high horse to welcome them with open arms. We may do it without even realizing it, but when it is brought to our attention we must change it.. As Christians is it our job to go out of our way to show hospitality to others. To go out of our way to help those in need. This is something that we must practice as Christians, when it comes showing the love of God. A lot of times the question that come to mind for many people when it comes to loving their neighbor; how can I love someone I don’t even know. We treat them the way Christ would. We accept them with open arms, making them feel welcomed wherever we are, no matter who they or where they came from. There should be no circles or cliques in the body of Christ. Jesus is for everyone, not an exclusive group of people who think of themselves higher than everyone else.

This attitude should be most expressed by the church. I’ve been to far too many churches where I felt unwelcomed and judged. Due to the atmosphere, how people looked at me because of the way I was dressed or how people speak so badly about our generation within the church.. How I was removed from the front row because according to the men in the pulpit my skinny jeans were too tight and I was tempting the young men in the pulpit. Too often the church has turned people away because they don’t agree with their lifestyle or they have labeled them sinners. No one should feel unwanted in god’s house, and if they do, that’s on us.

All this to say, many times we are responsible for how people feel around us. We create the vibes if you will, the atmosphere that either accepts or neglects people.. We must learn to welcome people with open arms and make them feel like they are loved, like they are a part of this beautiful community God has created. We never know what people are going through and one hospitable act from us could literally change the course of someone’s life. We must make sure that people not only feel welcomed in God’s house but know that they are, meaning we speak to them and let them know that they are welcomed. Words are one thing, actions are another, but when you put the two together it is powerful. We are not here to point out people’s sin and flaws. We are here to point people to Jesus. He uncovers the sin and only He can judge them for it.

Reflection

1. Can you remember a time where someone has made you feel unwelcome or uncomfortable?
2. Can you remember a time when you did it to someone else?
3. Have you ever been to a church that made people, or you, feel like they shouldn’t be there?
4. How can we change this?

Prayer Time

Allow your answers to the above questions guide your prayer today. Talk to God about being hospitable, and ask Him to teach you to be warm and welcoming towards His people.

I love and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for  Day 225.

Day 223: Unpacking Romans 12- Going After God

Romans 12: 11-12

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

One of the things I’ve learned within my almost twenty five years of living is, need gives up drive, want puts passion behind that drive. When we want something, when we really want something with all of our heart nothing is going to stop us from getting it. No one can stop us from getting to it. Like a dream, when we find what it is we are meant to do and we fall in love with it, we will go to the ends of the earth and back to make it happen. It always raises the question, “how bad do you want it?’. The work we put into it will show if we really want it or not. We go after our dreams because it is what we love. We pursue people we are interested in, because we want them in our lives. What if we treated God the same way. We are all aware that we are in desperate need of God, but something changes when we decide that we want Him. When we want God in our lives we will work overtime to serve Him. We will do all that we can to show our gratitude and thanksgiving. We get to a point in our lives where serving God is no longer an obligation but a choice. We no longer do it because we have to, we do it because we want to. As we grow in Christ, we must learn to go after Him. We must learn to follow Him. When we are serving God because it is something we want to do, as choice that we have made, we serve Him happily and diligently. Serving Christ is not a burden, it’s an opportunity to live for something and someone much greater than ourselves.

Jeremiah 29:13 reads, You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

All this to say, go after what you want. Learn that there is a difference between needing God and wanting Him. When we need God, we come to Him from time to time. We pray when we really want Him to do something for us. When we realize that we need Him every second of every moment, we will get to a point of not wanting to live without Him. We will get to a point when we want Him more than anything, even our next breath. When we want God, we want to walk with Him everyday of our lives. We want His presence with us wherever we go. When we want God we seek His direction and we do whatever we can to stay in His will. Go after God with all your heart because in Him lies everything we can ever need and want.

Response/Prayer Time

Respond in whatever way you feel led. Talk to God about wanting Him more than anything and seeking His face. Have a conversation with Him.  

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening, be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 224!

Day 221: Unpacking Romans 12- A True Christian

 Romans 12:9-10

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

We have talked about love and the importance of loving one another. It is our calling as Christians, the second greatest command. One thing I want to talk about today is the importance of doing more than just saying you love someone because that’s what you’re supposed to do as a Christian. For lack of better words, don’t pretend to love people because it makes you look like a better Christian. Don’t talk about how much you love people in order to elevate your status as a Christian. We have to really love people and it shows in the way we treat them, the way we talk to people, and the way we act towards strangers. Love is genuine, we cannot walk around spreading fake love. When we love someone it’s for the other person, when we pretend to love someone it’s for us, and it comes from a selfish place.

I believe that through this passage, God is telling us how to be true Christians. He showing us what it means to be a true Christian by telling to be authentic in our ways. God can see through the fakeness in all of us, He can tell when we are pretending. We know when we’re pretending, and we have to call ourselves out on it. We have to check ourselves, and check our intentions and make sure that the way we are living is genuine. A lot of times, our motives have a lot to do with how we act and ultimately how we treat each other. We have to ask ourselves why we do things sometimes, what our motives are. Are we doing something for someone because we really love them or because it will make us look or feel good. Yes, love feels good it’s an amazing feeling to love and be loved. But we must make sure that we are not showing love to saying we love someone because we are chasing a feeling. It’s not always about that, sometimes we have to set ourselves aside for the sake of someone else. Sometimes (not all the time) we have to set our feelings aside in honor of someone else.

All this to say, let your love be genuine. Don’t choose the image of a good Christian over the authenticity of a true Christian. Meaning being true to your faith and the word of God is so much more important than an image.

Reflection

1. Have you found yourself trying to put up an image of a good Christian?
2. Have you ever done something for someone because of what you will get out of it?
3. Is your love genuine?

Prayer Time

Allow you answers to the above questions guide your prayer today. Talk to God about what it is to be a true Christian, and letting your love be genuine. Have an honest conversation with God. Also be honest with yourself.

I love you, I hope you an amazing Day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 222!

Day 221: Unpacking Romans 12- One Body, Different Functions

Romans 12:3-8

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves,measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

There’s two subjects I want to touch on today, one obviously being, we are all one body and we are all different. We move differently. We work differently, and we function differently. However, through our differences we work together to operate as one body.

We as a people function as the body of Christ. God has called us to different areas has given us different gifts and purposes. Some of us are preachers, some of us doctors, musicians, performers, scientist, etc. Even though we all have different functions we work together as one body. If all of us were the same, how would we make up a body? I love the symbolism of a body, because one part of the body does not work without the other neither do they function the same, but they do not work as a body without each other. The foot is not the same as the hand and the mouth isn’t the same as the eyes but they are all part of one body. They don’t work separated, The foot cannot function on its own, the eyes cannot stand on their own. All of these part come together to make one body. That’s what we are, we are the pieces that come together to form the body of Christ.  The overall point is that we work together as one body. We do that by doing our part within the body of Christ and not trying to take on someone else's job or calling. We must know who we are in Christ in order to help elevate the body of Christ. We are part of why it functions and if we aren’t doing our part than we are messing up more than we think. We may not think we are doing much but without us, the body cannot function correctly.

My next point is, don’t look down on or think you are better than someone because of where you are in Christ. We as a people are one, we are one body, I can’t stress that enough. What I’ve seen in the Christian community far too often and it is some of the reasons we stand so divided. Envy, competition, and arrogance. A body doesn’t function when the eyes are jealous of the leg, or when one part sees itself superior to the next. There should be no competition within the body of Christ, it is not about who saves more souls, or who can bring the most people to church. It’s not about who can quote the most scriptures or any of that. It is about doing what we were sent here to do, living out our God given purpose. It’s about lifting our brothers and sisters up and praying for them to grow and succeed. It will never be about rejoicing in their downfall. We do than far more often than we think.  

When God made us, He made us equal. He loves us equally. We are to love each other the same way, to love our neighbor as ourself. We don’t look down on anyone or think we are better than the next person. We cannot walk around thinking of ourselves higher than what we are. Either we walk in humility by choice or allow God to humble you and the latter isn’t flattering at all.

All this to say, we are one in Christ and nothing should divide us. We are meant to function together as one body. Yes, we are different, but we are also one in the same. It’s pretty mind blowing when you think about it.

Response/Prayer Time

Respond in whatever way you feel led today. Go over the passage we focused on and study the scripture, and have a conversation with God. Pray unity within the body of Christ. Pray for God’s people and pray that God will lead you to where He wants you to be.  

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening! Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 222 to continue unpacking Romans 12. Have an awesome day, I love you!