Romans 12:12-21 God loves the world that He created!

Proverbs 25:21–22 

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;

And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,

And the LORD will reward you.

Proverbs 20:22  

Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;

Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

The way is hard and the path long and winding but it can be fulfilled in the commandments to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself. We cannot call evil good. We can hate the sin but love the sinner, who is created in the image of God, only by the power of Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:12-21 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 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. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We cannot call evil good. Nor can we call good evil. Caring for others frees us from the trap of power and control. For God so loves the world that He gave us Jesus that in Him we can be saved. John 3:16-17  He wants no one to perish. Carla

Christians should not offer their service half-heartedly or in a lazy manner. Instead, Paul encourages the Romans to serve eagerly and in earnest. Hospitality means “love of strangers.” The primary reference is to housing travelers, though all forms of hospitality are included. The progression in this verse is significant. As we dedicate ourselves to meeting the needs of our fellow believers, we will have opportunities to serve strangers and thus witness to them about the love of Christ. Bless means “to speak well of” or “praise.” 

Because believers are a body, when one part hurts, everyone feels the pain; when one is joyful, everyone can rejoice. Christians cannot be indifferent to the suffering or joy of their fellow believers (1 Corinthian 12:25, 26). The word good in this verse means “morally good,” “noble,” or “praiseworthy.” This is the positive side of the negative command not to return evil for evil  (1 Peter 3:9). 

A Christian should not concentrate on the evil in others, but instead should focus on what is good. By doing so, we encourage others around us to aspire to the good. 

The believer’s aim should be to live peaceably. But sometimes peace is not within our control; this is why Paul limits the command. Believers are not to seek personal revenge, but rather to let God punish.  

Freed from vengeance, believers can give themselves to mercy, even toward their enemies. By acts of kindness, the believers will heap coals of fire on the head of their enemies, perhaps bringing shame and repentance to them. It is possible for an enemy to become a friend. This is the phenomenal power of God’s love that believers are connected to through Christ. The NKJV Study Bible

Although believers will encounter opposition, Paul urges them to live peacefully, not taking revenge upon those who wrong them. Paul cites Proverbs 25:21–22 to encourage believers to show their enemies undeserved kindness, which might elicit a response of shame and perhaps repentance. This approach leaves room God to render punishment if He chooses (Romans 12:19). Overcoming evil with good describes the consequence of the Christian ethics in verses 14–20. 

Good will prevail over evil when Christians respond to their enemies with love and blessings instead of revenge and curses. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 

Deuteronomy 32:35 

Vengeance is Mine, and recompense;

Their foot shall slip in due time;

For the day of their calamity is at hand,

And the things to come hasten upon them.’

Proverbs 20:22  

Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;

Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

Proverbs 24:29 

Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;

I will render to the man according to his work.”

This week I am listening to the voice of Mr. Rogers—a voice that calms my spirit—reminding me, “There’s something deep inside, that helps us become what we can.” And this journey of discovery—of unveiling—is truly an ongoing pilgrimage. A journey where we uncover, and restore, and forgive, and heal. “Sabbath Moments”

Romans 3:23-26 Christ in us the hope of glory!

 Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 

There is no one righteous, no, not one. We  carry within us the glory of God to reveal His character to the world that we live in. To God alone all glory belongs!

Romans 3:23-26 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 

Boasting is excluded because the grace of God, in  Jesus, is unmerited and underserved. No greater love exists. Carla

Jews and Gentiles have failed to live up to God’s standard; sin is universal. As a result, God’s provision of righteousness by faith, as opposed to law or race, relates to all people. 

In Jewish tradition, God created humanity in His likeness to reflect His glory. But when Adam sinned, humanity lost the reflection of God’s image. 

To be justified means to be set right or declared righteous (verse 20). It refers to both the acquittal of all charges and the provision of right status before God. Justification stands in contrast to condemnation (verse 7). The Greek word used here for boasting, apolytrōsis, refers to the act of freeing a slave or prisoner by payment. People were enslaved to sin (6:16–17, 20), so God offered His Son as the payment to “redeem” them (verses 25; 8:32; Isaiah 53:12). Paul’s understanding of redemption probably was shaped by two paradigmatic acts of redemption in Israel’s history—the exodus and the return from the Babylonian exile (Deuteronomy 7:8; Isaiah 51:11; 62:12). 

The Greek word used her for mercy seat, hilastērion, refers to the lid of the ark of the covenant (Leviticus 16:15–16; Hebrews 9:5). Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the Jewish high priest would apply animal’s blood to this lid (Leviticus 16:14). Paul’s description suggests that Christ functions as the locus of atonement in the new covenant. Atonement Identifies Jesus’ blood as the means for dealing with sin. Elsewhere, references to the blood of Jesus signify His violent and sacrificial death (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5). 

Through the crucifixion of Christ, God showed Himself righteous. He judged sin but also provided righteousness for those who have faith in Christ (Isaiah 53:11). 

God had left the sins of previous generations unpunished. This demonstrates His kindness toward humanity, not indifference toward sin. The forbearance of God refers to the patience God displayed when delaying punishment for sin. Just is an attribute of God’s character. Faith is the means by which God justifies a person.  Faithlife Study Bible

God revealed to people how they should live, but no one can live up to God’s perfect way. No one can live up to what God created us to be; we all fall short of His glory. We cannot save ourselves because as sinners we can never meet God’s requirements. Our only hope is faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who believe (verse 22) are justified, that is, “declared righteous,” freely, without cost, by God’s grace, or “favor.” Christ Jesus died to provide redemption, which means He died to pay the price required to ransom sinners. By paying the penalty of their sin through His death, Jesus can free people from their sin and transfer His righteousness to those who believe in Him. 

On the basis of Christ’s righteousness alone, believers can approach God’s throne with praise. Through God’s initiative, they have been restored to a proper relationship with Him. By His death, Christ satisfied the justice of God. He paid the penalty of sin in full. 

Paul cites two reasons why the righteousness of God comes through Christ’s death. The first is to demonstrate that God Himself is righteous, and did not judge the sins committed prior to the Cross. The second reason for the Cross is that God wanted to show that He is both righteous and at the same time the One who can declare sinners righteous. Because of Christ’s death, God does not compromise His holiness when He forgives a sinner. The NKJV Study Bible

Romans 4:16  Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 

Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 17:30 |Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 

Romans 3:9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

Here’s what I know—and am grateful to have learned: Life seems to ignore the script we have in our mind.

This brings to mind my mentor, Lew Smedes’ reminder, "Gratitude dances though the open windows of our hearts. We cannot force it. We cannot create it. And we can certainly close our windows to keep it out. But we can also keep them open and be ready for the joy when it comes."

Living one open window at a time.

The miracle is that there need not be a miracle—just a slow drip of experience. Being mindful of small things; the ordinary is the hiding place for the holy. Places where we are able to receive. And places from which we give: wholeheartedness, joy, grief, compassion, sorrow, kindness, grace, forgiveness, gladness.  And until I understand that truth (until I take it to heart), I miss the point.

Or, in the words of William Kittredge, "Moments when nothing happened. What sweet nothing."

In other words, we don't run from the moment (even moments that unnerve and distress).

We don't suffocate the moment with stuff (physical and mental).

We don't sanitize the moment with platitudes.

We sit. We listen. We look. We taste. We smell. We see.

We look for the light of God in the most ordinary, and even the most dull, of contexts. “Sabbath Moments”

The truth is that lasting meaning isn't found in what we can build, buy, achieve, or acquire but in who we have an eternal relationship with.

As believers in Jesus, we know He is the Savior who will never leave us grasping at vapor. His gospel message is an anchor to eternal hope (Hebrews 6:18-20).

The Apostle Paul echoed this in Philippians 3:7-8: "Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ..."

Jesus conquered sin and death, assuring believers that we have eternal life in Him. While our time here on earth is a mere vapor and earthly pursuits apart from Jesus lead to emptiness, life with Jesus guarantees us the hope of eternity with Him and grants us fullness that surpasses all earthly pleasures. First5

2 Timothy 2:22-26 Perilous times…

1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 

How relevant this passage is in the times that we are living in. We will be judged on how we treat the powerless and marginalized. Satan is behind the chaos of power and control sought by man.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

 Perilous Times and Perilous Men

1 Timothy 1:4–5  nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 

Pray for America and the leaders of this world. God alone is in control. We will learn His lessons of peace…one way or another. Carla

This list of virtues defines true godliness. An Old Testament  expression, call upon the Lord, here is applied to Christians (Genesis 26:25; 1 Samuel 12:17; Psalm 86:5; Acts 9:14; Romans 10:12–14). 

Talking about foolish controversies leads to more conflict, not resolution.  Timothy must be able to communicate truth and, in doing so, protect the community of believers from false doctrine (1 Timothy 3:2). 

The Greek word used here for tolerant, anexikakos, describes tolerating difficulties without resentment. Such a leader must extend patience and kindness to those who oppose him or her. When faced with opposition, the servant of the Lord must display the character of the Lord. 

The Greek word used here, metanoia, refers to a change in attitude toward sin that results in a change in lifestyle. 

Trap of the devil refers to Satan, the enemy of God and His people. The idea of being captured by the devil to do his will most likely refers to accepting and living according to the doctrine of the false teachers (1 Timothy 3:6; 4:1). Faithlife Study Bible

In these verses Paul describes in practical terms how Timothy can be a useful vessel for God’s work. Quarrel translates a military term for hand-to-hand combat. The Lord’s servant must not battle with words, but instead must be gentle and kind to all.

Correcting means “training” or “bringing to maturity.” Those who are in opposition are those who place themselves in conflict with the preaching of God’s truth, such as Hymenaeus and Philetus (verse 17). 

The aim of correction is repentance, or a “change of thinking.” Paul exhorts Timothy to persevere in correcting his opponents because it is imperative that they should know the truth, even though they might oppose the truth at present with their false teachings about the resurrection (verse 18). It was Paul’s hope that they would finally come to their senses, or become sober again. 

False teaching has an intoxicating effect that dulls the mind to God’s truth. Timothy’s persistence in correcting them might enable them to escape the snare of the devil. The devil takes captive believers who teach false doctrine, leading others astray. One of Satan’s tactics is to cause divisions in the church.   The NKJV Study Bible

1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

1 Timothy 3:2–3 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

This week I want to hear the voice of Mr. Rogers, reminding us, “There’s something deep inside, that helps us become what we can.” And this journey of discovery—of unveiling—is truly an ongoing pilgrimage. A journey where we uncover, and restore, and forgive, and heal.

On this journey, I want to take this to heart--God's pledge to the Israelites. “I will give you a new heart and a new spirit. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

A new heart. As a gift. Noting, this is not a replacement—as in a different heart. But my heart, now softer, and more receptive, and willing to grow.

And every gift, must be received. Well, sometimes gifts are not easy to receive, and I confess that my tendency is to say, “This is too good to be true, or something I don’t merit.” No wonder it is too often easier to say, “That’s okay, give this heart of flesh to someone who really needs it.”Today, I do need it. And I welcome the gift: A new heart and spirit. Letting go of what is hard or stubborn or resistant. A gift signifying a profound internal transformation, a renewal embracing tenderness and grace. “Sabbath Moments” Terry Hershey

King Solomon's gift of wisdom was intended to be a great treasure, but eventually it became a great tragedy (1 Kings 11:6). Without focusing on the Giver of wisdom, the gift alone was not enough. We can imagine his frustration as we read Ecclesiastes 1:18: "In much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." Sadly, we only add to our sorrow if we seek answers to our questions but fail to seek God Himself.

But we can avoid this frustration when we realize no human understanding can compare with the source of true wisdom: Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:27-31). More than just pointing us to God's priorities, Scripture ultimately points us to God's Son.

Even if we "busy" ourselves with "all that is done under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 1:13), we will always find something crooked or lacking if we don't have faith in Jesus. But when we do have faith, He teaches us to consider more than just what we can do on our own; He teaches us to pray for God's will to be done "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10). His is the only name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:11-12).

 First5