14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
20 Instead,“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Terrie's Comments:
I am not sure about everyone else but I know for myself I need to remember these things often. We live in a world surrounded with the attitude that you have the right to be upset and hold grudges... "Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God." Chew on that for a minute...
We are to do good always, live at peace with everyone. This is pretty much the opposite of the world we live in that says "whatever feels good to me is good". Putting God first means putting everyone else before Me always. Anyone else need to keep this in mind?
Tori: Ordinary people I believe are anyone who you might be tempted to consider "beneath" your social status.
Tori's Comments:
I read somewhere that it is really hard to hate someone you pray for daily. I thought it was an awesome way of seeing this, because it shows how prayer helps us, as well.
Just curious... what does it mean by 'ordinary people'?
Verse 21 is awesome. I kind of want to hang it on my wall as a reminder.
This whole passage could be on my wall as a reminder. Be at peace with everyone. Don't consider myself better. Alot to chew on...I think it starts with being present in every conversation and interaction you have throughout the day. I find this even harder when life is busy.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with that too! I do a lot of focusing on the next thing I have to do, when I can really only love people fully when I'm 100% there in the moment for them.
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