"Live in harmony with one another..." —Romans 12:16a (NIV)
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.
This verse encapsulates what Jesus taught as he lived His life here on earth – love and kindness. We are taught to look at people who hurt us with love and kindness, not an eye for an eye. I often wonder – how is that possible? Only by the grace of God. We are but humans and we react and get affected. But with God, everything is possible. We can bring our hurts at His feet, be filled by His love and let this same Love that comes from the ultimate Source overflow to others – that we may bless those who persecute us, bless and not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Empathy, this verse reminds me of empathy, and how important it is to be emphatic to our neighbors. Joining family or friends in what they feel validates their emotions and will make them feel seen. Though it is important that big emotions are processed internally, there is such a strong sense of community if you know your friends and family are united with you as you rejoice and as you mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
I have said it before, and I will say it again. I love how the bible has always been practical in its teachings. And yet again in these verses, the Lord gives us guidance how to live with others, with community. With these verses, I can really feel that God wants us to live with community, to nurture relationships. We are not meant to be alone. At the same time, it also speaks to me of balance – not to associate with people of low position, but in the same breath, we are also asked not to be proud and conceited.
Truly, the Word of God, guides.
Reflection on Romans 12:14-16 by Blessie Sto Tomas
(Listen to the Podcast here)
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