Our Living Sacrifice, Pt. 3

April 2nd, 2025
by Lance Waldie

Romans 12:14-18 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.

Paul lists more behaviors associated with the renewed mind (v. 2) in vv. 14-18. First, Christians are told to “bless” (eulogeō) and not curse those who “persecute” (Gr. diōkō) them. When persecuted, literally “to pursue,” Christians are not to flee but to “bless” their persecutors. Notably, diōkō is the term Paul used in v. 13 for hospitality—pursuing kindness in welcoming guests or strangers. So instead of calling down curses upon those who might pursue us so as to hurt us, God would have us turn the tables on them and seek to be a blessing to them.

Second, Christians are to share in the joys and the sorrows of fellow believers (v. 15). Paul told the Corinthians the same thing, namely that when one member of the body of Christ suffers, all suffer. And when one member rejoices, all should rejoice (1 Cor. 12:26). Genuine love (12:9) does not respond with jealousy when another believer succeeds; instead, he rejoices! Likewise, when another suffers, Christians pursuing sincere love will also suffer right along with them.

Third, believers are commanded to live peacefully with those they do not necessarily see eye-to-eye with, striving to live in harmony with them (16a). Christians are not commanded to think the exact same things, but they are to think equally toward each other in spite of social or economic differences. Whether rich or poor, they share a common mind-set, one that is not on themselves but on each other. Mature Christians know that all of their relationships within their church are ultimately for the glory of God. When this is the case, relationships tend to be deeper, more meaningful, and more fulfilling. As a result of this mindset, disagreements, though they are inevitable among Christians, can be dealt with for God’s glory. In other words, there will not be ongoing disagreement among brothers and sisters in Christ that cannot be resolved. Why? Simply because both parties are concerned with each other, not themselves primarily.

Haughtiness has no place in Christianity. Those who might be deemed as “lowly” (Gr. tapeinos) are no less than one who is wealthy or famous. Whereas pride causes some to think they are better than they are, in Christ, all are one, each enjoying God’s grace at various levels. Believers who are poor or infirm are no less than wealthy, healthy Christians. The command to never be wise in one’s own sight is essential to maintaining a proper view of oneself (cf. 12:3).

Fourth, Christians are never to return evil for evil, lashing out at others for the purpose getting even. Rather, they are to love their enemies (cf. Matt. 5:44) and behave in such a way that will honor and not hurt them. Whereas retaliation is done in the heat of the moment, the response of love in the face of an enemy attack requires taking thought to do “what is right in the sight of all.” Again, if God’s glory is the goal, then giving thought to do what is honorable will be attainable, and it will not go unnoticed, especially by the Lord Himself who sees everything.

Fifth, Christians are to strive to live in peace with everyone with whom they associate, insofar as it depends on them. In the same way that the world hated Jesus for His teachings, so too will the world hate His followers for applying and spreading them. Since this conflict is unavoidable, Paul adds to v. 18, “if possible… be at peace with all.”

Food For Thought
Our prayer: “O Lord, may we bless our enemies and not curse them. May we rejoice and weep with Your people, be kind to all, shun arrogance, and be at peace with all. Amen.”