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”.
{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