12/19/2015

Romans 12:14-21 “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 be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Turn on pretty much any station this time of year and you will be inundated with Christmas themed movies, TV episodes, specials, and classics. Common in the theme of many of these programs is that “It is better to give than to receive.” It is certainly a true statement, and one which we should not ignore. Yet the spirit of this scripture passage goes far deeper than throwing some coins in the pot for the bell ringers, buying items for toy drives, serving holiday meals, or extravagant gift giving.

This passage is about a deep and fundamental change in the way that we see ourselves and others. It speaks the total and unbridled giving of self. What would our church look like if we invested ourselves in one another? What would our community look like if we invested ourselves in it? You are the only Jesus some people will ever meet. Make sure what what they see is truly a reflection of Him.