Do the Opposite- Romans 12

The opposite of thinking of yourselves more highly than you ought (v.3) and of conforming to the patterns on this world (2)- which for me lately has been spiritual laziness and a bitter attitude toward a current difficult situation in my life - is using your your gifts (serving, teaching, encouraging, taking care of others needs, leadership, showing mercy) and being sincere (9), genuine (9), honoring others above yourself and being faithfully devoted to each other (10.) Stay excited and passionate about serving the Lord because that's who all gifts are really about. Remember that you are not off the hook for the gifts you don't have. We are all to work towards all the spiritual gifts because that is conforming more and more to the image and character of Christ.

Verse 12 clearly states how to respond to all circumstances, whether good or bad.
Joyful in hope.
Patient in affliction.
Faithful in prayer.
Imagine the changes if I applied these truths to the areas that I am conforming to the patterns of this world and thinking of myself more highly than I ought to.


All of the following are opposite to my nature, opposite to the patterns of this world, and opposite of self-exalted nature-

• Bless those who persecute you.
• Bless and do not curse.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice.
• Mourn with those who mourn.

This means we have to know and experience struggles and joys with each other. It's so natural just to see it and go on with my own stuff- my schedule, my struggles, my joys. But this says to experience these things with each other.

The next part links back to the first part about blessings. It says in verse 16 to-

• Live in harmony.
• Don't be proud.
• Be willing to associate with people of low positions. *Defined as homeless, less popular, orphans, poor/dirty...etc...you add to the list those who you personally consider of low position.
• Don't be conceited.
  Some how we get so comfortable with who we are or with our friends, our money, and our lives that we get so bloated with conceit that other people who have lives, struggles, and joys of their own seem unimportant and inferior to us.

Now the final part is about peace and all the actions talked about so far to those who its NOT easy...enemies, those who have hurt you or have done evil toward you, and even just the lowly or annoying (the EGR people in our lives = Extra Grace Required.)

• Don't repay evil for evil. Do right in everybody's eyes. (17) ~This doesn't mean please everyone but rather live in a way that no one can find fault in you to use to destroy your testimony.
• If it is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (18)
  ~Not according to what they do.
• Leave wrath and revenge to God....DO THE OPPOSITE-

Feed your hungry enemy...
AKA...meet the needs and care for the EGR people in your life.
"In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head." (20)

Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good...(21)

For me Romans 12 came alive.there are so many challenges and principles to live by in these 21 verses. God has challenged my in my spiritual laziness. I am so guilty of never following through with the ideas and instructions that God gives me. What is God challenging you about through Romans 12?