or as the title of this text in my Bible says "Behave like a Christian"
Romans 12: 9-18
9: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10: Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, 11: not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
12: Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
13: distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14: Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.
15: Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
16: Be of the same mind toward one another
17: Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17: Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18: If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
If everyone who professes God as their Lord & Savior (a Christian) would live by these words (as much as depends on you), the world would be a much better place. Becoming a Christian does not mean we won't have trials, tribulations, weeping, evil or high opinions of ourselves. It does mean we have a Heavenly Father who loves us, will listen anytime we need to talk, will give us the strength & courage to face what the world throws at us (& sometimes fellow Christians), and will be our Comforter in times of discouragement.
The rest of this chapter in Romans is a promise to believers...
19: Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
20: Therefore, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him drink, For in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Amen!
