Live in Harmony with One Another
Scripture Texts: Romans 12:13-16
Romans 12 is how we live when we have been forgiven and saved by the blood of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit and are making daily progress in being conformed to the likeness of Jesus.
Romans 12 is how we live when we have been overwhelmed by how much we don’t deserve God’s mercy and grace, and then experience His overwhelming love and kindness.
Romans 12 is genuine love for God expressed in genuine love for each other.
Romans 12 is how we live when we have been transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Becoming a Romans 12 Christian is not difficult, it is impossible! It is supernatural. It is enabled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is pursued in humble dependence and constant prayer. The ability to do the Christian life comes from what God has already done.
This is not a list of boxes to check. This is a description of the character of a person the Holy Spirit has gotten hold of and a church in which the Holy Spirit is working and transforming.
A person who lives and speaks and acts in this way will be a living example of Jesus among their friends, family, co-workers. Like the early Christians people will say they have been with Jesus.
Resist the temptation to be discouraged over how short of the mark you fall. That means you are looking to yourself and your ability to live up to the Gospel. Rejoice in the hope of the promises of God, be patient in the struggle, in the trials and testings, be constant in prayer, daily depending on God. Martin Luther said, “To progress in the Christian life is always to begin again.” Help your children to understand this.