Reading Plan:
Romans 12:9-21



Radical Relationships
Author: Gray Strickland



Life happens in the context of relationships. Think about that for a moment. If I asked you to share your greatest memory, I doubt you would be alone. On the flip side, if I asked you to share your greatest regret, there's a great chance that you weren't acting solo at that moment. From the greatest moments in life to the moments of greatest regret and everywhere in between, life happens in the context of relationships.

Our reading today is all about relationships. The Apostle Paul sets the standard high using words like devoted, peace, harmony, blessing, love, serve, hospitality, humility, and sincerity. He encourages us to forgive those who've hurt us, to mourn with those who mourn, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. He even tells us to not take revenge and to leave room for God's wrath. All of these seem daunting, but this is the framework and responsibility God has given us for our relationships.

Why would God lay such seemingly heavy burdens on us when it comes to relationships?

God knows that how we relate to others is often the greatest testimony for our faith and the greatest testimony against our faith. There's a lot at stake in how we relate! So, how do we live out these commands? How do we make the most of the responsibility God has given us?

We revisit the Gospel (what Christ has done for us) daily.

You see, it is tempting to get into the mindset that the Gospel is only useful for saving us -getting us into heaven and out of hell. But the truth is that when we revisit the Gospel daily, we find power and grace to live out an extraordinary life for God's glory and the good of those around us.

Here are three quick thoughts on how revisiting the Gospel helps us live out Paul's words.

The Gospel reminds us of the patience our Heavenly Father has for us. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise... Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." As I remember God's patience with me, I am encouraged to be patient with others, especially when they are difficult.

The Gospel reminds us that we were once lost. When we do not revisit the Gospel in our lives daily, we may begin viewing ourselves as more deserving of God's love than others - especially people who have hurt us. In God's economy, there is no "more lost" or "less lost", no "more deserving or "less deserving." Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short" before a holy God. It is not the quantity of sin that causes us to need a Savior, but the presence of sin. When we operate from this Gospel truth, we find grace and forgiveness for others in our lives.

Lastly, the Gospel reminds us that God can be trusted. When we've been hurt through relationships, we can let go of the need for revenge. We can forgive freely because we have been forgiven. We can trust the righteous Judge to do what is right. In 1 Peter 2:23, Peter reminds us of how Christ handled the need for revenge. "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

These are just a few ways the Gospel empowers and inspires us to live in a way that honors Christ in our relationships. Again, much is at stake regarding how we relate to each other. The world is watching; your family members are watching; your coworkers are watching; your teammates and classmates are watching. We have an opportunity and responsibility to live lives that stand in stark contrast to this world.



Reflection & Response:
What do your relationships (how you relate to others) convey about our Heavenly Father? Do they convey love, patience, kindness, etc.?
What can you do today in your relationships to better reflect how God has loved you?

Is there a relationship in your life where you are seeking revenge or holding a grudge? If so, take a moment to offer that relationship to God. Maybe hold your hands open, palms up, and simply pray, "Father, I release my desire for revenge. I forgive them and trust this relationship with you as the Just Judge."

Prayer: Father, thank you for your patience, love, and forgiveness in my life. Thank you for never giving up on me. Help to offer the same to other people in my life in hopes that they might experience the ultimate and most complete love-your love.


Family Application: Christians in Action
Author: Nichole McCardle


Have you ever been in a situation and you found yourself wondering, "What should I do? How would Jesus want me to react?" Thankfully, we have the Bible to help guide us and teach us. Read Romans 12:9-21. In this passage, the apostle Paul writes letters to Christians in Rome, teaching them how to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to God. From these verses, we learn some really important rules regarding how we should show love to others that we can put into practice every day.

Verse 21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." When you first read that verse, it may seem a little odd. But, when you think about it, that is exactly how Jesus wants us to treat others, even those who may not be very nice to us. Try to show them kindness, pray for them, and be an example of God's love for them.

Romans tells us how Christians can put love into action. Who is someone you love, and how can you show them Christ-like love this week?

Prayer: God, you are so loving! Thank you for the Bible stories that teach us and guide us! God, help me to show Your love to everyone around me. Amen.