Romans 12:9-21
In only eleven verses, the Apostle Paul teaches us several Codes of Christian Conduct that we should practice between ourselves, between Him and us, and between us and those outside the body of Christ.
- To one another, as members of His body
- To the Lord, as recipients of His grace and redemption
- To those outside the body of Christ
1. To one another, as members of His body:
- Love each other without hypocrisy (pretense).
- Be devoted to one another.
- Prefer one another in honor.
- Contribute to the needs of each other.
- Practice hospitality.
- Rejoice with those who rejoice.
- Weep with those who weep.
- Be of the same mind regarding one another.
- Do not be haughty in mind.
- Accommodate the lowly (those who are weaker in a practical and/or spiritual sense).
- Do not be wise in your own estimation.
2. To the Lord, as recipients of His grace and redemption:
- Abhor what is evil.
- Cling to what is good.
- Be diligent in serving the Lord.
- Be fervent in spirit in serving Him.
- Rejoice in hope.
- Persevere in trial.
- Be devoted in prayer.
- Wait for God’s vindication for those who do wrong.
3. To those outside the body of Christ:
- Bless those who persecute you.
- Never pay back evil for evil.
- Respect what is right in the sight of all people (stand for truth).
- Be at peace with all people if possible.
- Never commit your own revenge.
- If your enemy is hungry or thirsty, give them food and drink.