In Romans 12 and 13, Paul helps us to understand how we can honor God by putting others first:

1. As part of the Body of Christ, we all belong to each other. (12:3-8)

Romans 12:3-8 (NLT)

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

In Romans 12 and 13, Paul helps us to understand how we can honor God by putting others first:

1. As part of the Body of Christ, we all belong to each other. (12:3-8)
2. Love is action - it is not what we feel, but what we say and do. (12:9-13)

Romans 12:9-13 (NLT)

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

In Romans 12 and 13, Paul helps us to understand how we can honor God by putting others first:

1. As part of the Body of Christ, we all belong to each other. (12:3-8)
2. Love is action - it is not what we feel, but what we say and do. (12:9-13)
3. We are called to love and forgive those who mistreat us, just like Christ did. (12:14-21)

Romans 12:14-21 (NLT)

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.

In Romans 12 and 13, Paul helps us to understand how we can honor God by putting others first:

1. As part of the Body of Christ, we all belong to each other. (12:3-8)
2. Love is action - it is not what we feel, but what we say and do. (12:9-13)
3. We are called to love and forgive those who mistreat us, just like Christ did. (12:14-21)
4. Time is precious - someone's eternal destiny may be at stake. (13:8-14)

Romans 13:8-14 (NLT)

8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. 11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

For my personal time with God this week:

[#1] Read Romans 12:3-8. How have you seen both yourself and your Christian friends fulfill different and unique roles within the church, the Body of Christ? How can you further use the unique talents God has given you to serve others?
[#2] Read Romans 12:9-13. How have you demonstrated your love for others through action? What actions would mean the most to them, and show them that you love them? How can you take steps to show your love to your family and friends by stepping out into that action?
[#3] Read Romans 12:14-21. Is there someone that has hurt you that you haven’t yet fully forgiven? Can you seek God’s strength to finally forgive? And is there something more you can do to reach out in mercy to that person who hurt you?
[#4] Read Romans 13:8-14. Is there someone you’ve felt God telling you to reach out to, that you’ve put off talking to? How can you stop delaying and respond to God by showing love to that person?