Sharing the Richness of Romans 12

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21 -- NIV)

That verse was shared with me recently.

It’s a good verse. But I'm not one for simply accepting single verses as they are. I like to know what context surrounds them, too, when possible.

The Book of Romans, chapter 12, has lots of great stuff in it. It's a great chapter to show one how to live with honor, with integrity.

Here are just a few examples of the richness within:

Part of verse 2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Part of verse 9 says: "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

I’m giving only bits and pieces here. To hopefully intrigue you enough so that you go and actually read it for yourself. Also to share some important points here, just in case you don't go and read it for yourself.

If you choose to actually read God's inspired word, the very breath of God (2 Timothy 3:16), you can start at BibleGateway.com -- if you don't have a bible handy.

BibleGateway.com has tons of versions -- and languages -- to choose from. You can look scripture up in 5 different versions at once, if you'd like. It's a handy tool -- and a blessing to have available.

Other bits from Romans 12 say things like:

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer"

"Practice hospitality"

"Bless those who persecute you"

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

Verse 16 is sobering. But I'll let you read it for yourself. It's worth your time to go and read, trust me. It should tap you upside your noggin and provide a bit of enlightenment -- no matter what bible version you choose.

Actually 16-19 are huge. And anyone who says the Bible is not relevant to today's world is just silly.

The last bit I'll share with you on this chapter is about heaping burning coals onto others heads. And no, it doesn't say NOT to do it. Seriously, check it out for yourself. It’s one of the ‘fun’ verses, but truly, oh so hard to live up to.

Grab your bible -- or jump on over to BibleGateway.com.

And God bless your reading!


My Prayer for You Today:

Lord, please, bless each one who reads this with your Godly wisdom. Open their eyes, their hearts, to your truth. Break down the walls every one of us puts up each day. Take away their hearts of stone, and give them hearts of flesh, Jesus, please? Allow them to begin seeing you in everything, Jesus. Soften our hearts, and sharpen our minds today, Lord. Please forgive us our sins, and put us on your narrow path starting this very day. Father, I praise you, and I pray to you, all in the name of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.