Posted on 06/25/2020 10:02:16 AM PDT by JAG 5000
{1} Love must be sincere.
{2} Hate what is evil.
{3} Cling to what is good.
{4} Be devoted to one another in love.
{5} Honor one another above yourselves.
{6} Never be lacking in zeal
{7} Keep your spiritual fervor.
{8} Serve the Lord.
{9} Be joyful in hope.
{10} Be patient in affliction.
{11} Be faithful in prayer.
{12} Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
(13) Practice hospitality.
{14} Bless those who persecute you.
{15} Bless them and do not curse them.
{16} Rejoice with those who rejoice.
{17} Mourn with those who mourn.
{18} Live in harmony with one another.
{19} Do not be proud.
{20} Be willing to associate with people of low position.
{21} Do not be conceited.
{22} Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
{23} Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
{24} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
{25} Do not take revenge
{26} If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
{27} Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Proposition: The New Testament offers practical solutions for human problems.
Which ones above, if observed, would likely solve most of humanity's problems?
I'd pick {2} . .{4} . . {5} . . {18} . . for starters.
Look 'em over carefully. Which ones would you pick? And why?
_________
Number {23} should raise an eyebrow. Why?
Because it is very difficult to always do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
My view is that Number {23} refers to the general moral code shared by most of humanity, for example
Do not murder.
Do not steal.
Do to others what you would have them do to you.
_____
Which one in the list of 27 do you like the best and why?
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19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Each of those is one part of a Godly life. It is not that there is a favorite — they are not suggestions, but mandates. We should be joyful to execute each one — as a pastor I know well has taught me — these are simple things, but for a fallen humanity, they are not easy things.
Thanks for this list, an excellent reminder
I see this as a “mini book of proverbs”. I see it not as the words of God, but the words of Paul as enlightened by God. It is highly useful for living a better and more joyous life, improving the state of the world and enhancing your testimony.
I think the new testament is sort of in two segments: The gospel and Acts, which is written to the world, and the rest of the new testament that is written to the believers.
But the funny thing is that this scripture from Romans, like Proverbs, is wisdom that is good to follow whether you believe or not.
Dang it, 22 and 25 are gonna be tough. Those may have to go into the category of “proof I am a sinner and really needed a redeemer”.
I tend to agree.
The real test will be when someone comes crashing through one of my doors or windows. Do I fire six shots or only five?
{5} Honor one another above yourselves
Putting others first, dying to self... if only we could master this. Most of the others would naturally fall in place. But no, we are selfish and want our way, just like a toddler. How sad humanity is! I believe just 30 seconds of quiet introspection would lead most people to acknowledge the depravity and hopelessness of our condition and the dire need for “the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world...”
bkmk
My man...lol
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