5/1/10 Romans 12-13
The Lowly
About half way through Romans 12 Paul introduces several things that are associated with love. In fact Romans 12:9-18 are a great manifesto for a family. These verses are packed with what we should desire for ourselves and for our loved ones. Sometimes it is helpful for us to read the scriptures from other versions because we can become so familiar with the text that we read that at times it loses it force. So here are the same verses from the New Century Version
(Ro 12:9-18)9Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good. 10Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves. 11Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart. 12Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. 13Share with God’s people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes. 14Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do not curse them. 15Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad. 16Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are. 17If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. 18Do your best to live in peace with everyone.
Evidence that our love is real is that we associate with the “lowly” or as translations put it the unimportant, humble, ordinary, or nobodies. It is interesting how the majority of us have no problem being acquainted or associated with people we understand to be important, yet we can make excuses or easily shun those who we deem lowly. Something we should consider is that when you are in the presence of someone you believe to be important may in fact see you as “lowly.”
The church is a great place to become acquainted and to show love to both those who may be considered important and those who are more of the “lowly” status. The church as the people and not the building is fit together in such a way that no matter your social status each is on level ground at the cross of Jesus. What a great opportunity we have as the church to show real, sincere, love to those who all of the membership and make every opportunity to show love of Christ to those who consider themselves “lowly” we have a great message filled with goodness that their “lowly” position actually puts them in a prime position for the Lord to give them a exalted position that some kings of the earth will never attain.
Prayer: Lord of the heavens and the earth, You are the most exalted One in all creation yet your Son humble himself to associate with us lowly creatures. It reminds me of the hymn “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” The chorus ponders your great love… Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Thank you and praise to the Lord Jesus for dying for my sins. Amen.