Day 612 - Romans 12-13 & Psalm 54

 Julie

I have always liked these two chapters of Romans. To me they are some of the most important ones in the Bible as they remind us how to be good people. In this we are given a blueprint for what the gifts of grace are and we should have grace for others. This lays out how we can do that. We are told what it means to be a true Christian and this is where I think people tend to fall short. To love others to treat others with kindness to do for others even those that are considered our enemies. We are reminded that it is not our place to instill vengeance on others, God tells us "vengeance is mine" and that if we treat those that do us evil with kindness they will be marked for God's vengeance. I think one of the most confusing and difficult parts of this one is where they talk about the government and submitting to authorities. God tells us that we should listen to them and do as we are told unless it goes against God's Word, and that he has placed these people in these positions. However, it is difficult because we see the evil that these people are doing and we want to rebel. So I think that this is a hard one and that it's probably a test of our faith to do what we are asked by God even if we don't understand. 

This psalm also speaks to what we read above. Especially this verse, "He will return the evil to my enemies; and your faithfulness put an end to them." 

Michelle

Chapter 12 has been the most meaningful to me in my journey.  Probably because when I started, this is the chapter for the study we were doing at church, and it really changed me.  It opened my eyes to some things, and drew me in to a place I imagine God wanted me to be.  I still reference verse 2 when I need a reminder.  When I think of it, it makes me want to go through the study again so that I can see where I am now and maybe see if there are new things I need to focus on.  I do agree that this gives kind of instruction for how we are to be and how we should act with others.  The study we did focused on numerous things from this reading about how we are to act or worship in different areas of life.  I could go on about this chapter.  I think you are correct that we all fall short when it comes to treating others with respect and kindness, even those we consider our enemies.  It's hard to remember that we are not supposed to take revenge on others.  We need give it to God to take care of it, as with everything else.  

Interesting, the same verse stood out to me as referencing today's reading.