9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be 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. 17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19Never 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.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Simple Christian truths, but they run against our nature to follow. How will someone know you are a Christian? By your example; "Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good." When you are at work and someone tells a dirty joke, walk away.
When they speak evil to you, pray for them. When you are going through trials, pray, be loving to one another. Open doors for people, let them go first in line. People will notice and take note of your actions.
My neighbor came over one day, angry and upset that I marked my back property line. We were taught years ago when someone is angry there is an underlining fear. He was unreasonable, and we couldn't reason with him. He came angry and left angry. What did we do? We let him talk, listened patiently and tried to talk reasonably but he would have none of it. When he left we prayed for him. What would we gain if we screamed and shouted at him? Always ask yourself WWJD?
If I found my heart getting bitter towards him I would ask God to remove the bitterness and pray for him.
"18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."
"“VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord."
Be at peace and leave the vengeance to the Lord! "“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.”"
Read commentaries on burning coals here;
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
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