Loving and Just Behavior

August 19, 2018 Background Scripture: Romans 12:9 – 21 Lesson Passage: Romans 12:9 – 21 Our salvation in Christ affects our relationship with others both in the church family and those who are without. Certainly, the relationship with those in the church family is the first priority. Christians are to show preference for each other. We are to exhibit brotherly love. Our business dealings with each other should always be tempered by our mutual love for Christ. We are admonished to freely give in support of the needy among us. Beyond that, our hospitality should be indicative of a benevolent love for strangers in need. We should show empathy and sympathy to others—rejoicing with those who are rejoicing and mourning with those in mourning. We should set the example in our interactions with our fellow man. If their actions are evil, we are to counter those actions by showing honest behavior. We should not be peace breakers. If we cannot live in peace with or around others, it should never be because of us. Getting even is not an option for Christians seeing that God is the avenger for His children. The Bible teaches us that God is always aware of what’s going on with us and He will not allow us to be burdened by more than we are able to bear. We are to walk in love so that others who are living in darkness can see the light of Jesus Christ in us. Our capacity to do good should always overshadow others’ capacity to do evil. Our greatest tool for evangelism, other than the aid of the Holy Ghost, may very well be the righteous example we set in the midst of ungodly people. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it produces, Christians are also known by the spiritual fruit we produce in the midst of others. Our actions should exhibit a model of patience, kindness, gentleness, faith, and benevolent love towards others—regardless of their disposition or attitude. Our success is not measured by the reactions of others toward us but by how close we come to emulating Jesus in all situations. All that has been said can be great when witnessed by others, but it can seem miles away from the thoughts, attitudes, and feelings we have when faced with the reality of difficult people and situations. None of us are saved into the spiritually mature person that has been described in these notes. We are saved and given the capacity to grow into such a person in Christ. Spiritual growth begins with the renewal of our minds. It behooves us to renew our minds so that we can grow spiritually. Saturating our minds with the word of God, meditating on that word, and praying are all necessary for spiritual maturity. The Bible encourages us to grow spiritually so that we can be instruments to be used by God. No matter how much teaching we are exposed to, nothing changes until learning takes place. Quoting scriptures is not spiritual maturity if our actions don’t align with the word of God. When a person studies, assembles materials for teaching, and delivers a lesson to at least one person, teaching has taken place. The only indication that learning has taken place is behavior change. When we shall have learned the spiritual principles taught by Jesus, it will be evident in our loving and just behavior. Robert C. Hudson July 7, 2018