Last Sunday, Amy wrapped up our justice series with some passionate, stirring words encouraging us to be overcomers of evil, rather than be overcome by it (Romans 12:21).
What timely words when we consider all that’s happening in the world around us?
What does it look like to be an overcomer? Well, as Amy shared, that’s what Romans 12:9-21 is all about. Beautiful, challenging verses reveal to us what a life shining with Jesus looks like (only possible by the power of the Spirit at work in us).
I love how The Message translation translates these verses. Why not take some time over the next few days to loiter in these verses? Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you, encourage you, challenge and stretch you in living this kind of life – the life of an overcomer.
“Love from the centre of who you are; don’t fake it.
Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.
Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame (**).
Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.
Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy;
share tears when they’re down.
Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up.
Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.
Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone.
If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody.
Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.
“I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch,
or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.
Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”
Romans 12:9-21
** this is the word for Zeo by the way, burning with passion for Jesus!
So how has this series on justice encouraged and challenged you?
How has it provoked your thinking and doing?
How has God started to change you to be a person who is seeking justice?
