Devotion: Transformation

Romans 12:9-21

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No,“if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

After reading the verses Paul wrote in Romans about the “marks of a true Christian,” I was overcome with an unsurprising sense of guilt. I was taught from an early age that I am a sinful human being who should feel shame when failing to keep God’s word. And I know that at some point in my life, I have failed at keeping every one of the guidelines from this long list that Paul has laid out.

I would love to be able to say that of course as a “good Christian” I am patient in suffering… although if I’m honest I am quick to complain. I’ve given up on praying when I didn’t see the results I wanted, so I can’t say I “persevere” in prayer. I wish I could say that the thought of feeding my enemies would be something that I should be able to do in a heart beat, but I can’t imagine a scenario where I would open my house or my wallet to someone that I actually called “my enemy.”

Yet, this is the exact point that Pastor Michelle kept coming back to in her message this weekend. God transforms our lives, through His grace and mercy, even when we least deserve it. Isn’t this the point that Paul is also making to his followers? Don’t be overcome; Bless those around you; Contribute; Don’t get stuck on things that only God can handle.

Just because I didn’t do all I could to serve my brother yesterday, doesn’t mean that I can’t help him today. God places many people and many circumstances in my path every day. As a child of God, that should be what I focus on. How God can transform my shortcomings through His grace and mercy. If I ask God to help me today do what He is calling me to do, then I can be a faithful servant. If I ask God to show me what to do, then I do not need to dwell on failure. I can learn from my experiences and move forward with the vision He has laid out for me.

Dear God,
We see the marks of a true Christian that you have laid out in the book of Romans, and the list is daunting. Wash us in your grace. Flood us with your mercy. Give us what we need to be the leaders you’ve called us to be and to serve the people you’ve placed in our lives.
In Your precious Son’s name,
Amen.

Written by Julie Anderson