In the world today it seems that many are seeking to cause division instead of unity. I think one of the saddest things to come out of the last several months is how the media and some leaders have caused us to turn upon each other in our nation. Please note I said some leaders not all.
Today the camps get divided for all sorts of issues. Some legitimate and some not so legitimate. There is also a lot of focus on all the bad news in the world. And there is a lot of bad news and negative issues. In the midst of all of these things I ask you to consider these words of Paul from his letter to the Romans.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21
I don’t know about you, but I need to practice these wise words of Paul more than I do. I know it is easier said than done some days. May God, by His Spirit, give us the strength to press on by overcoming evil with good. Hopefully, we are those who will be known for our humility and our love and our hope and our faith. May we be zealous for God and the things of God.