Paul Flipping the Script

Today we’re looking at one of the summary passages from the early church leader, Paul. He’s just written this huge long letter about how we are made for God and loved by God and that nothing can stand in the way of God’s love for us. Now he’s starting to get into how that deep belovedness works its way into our lives.

The results of being God’s beloved is a whole different approach to life than what we’ve often learned from our culture, our schools, our tv shows and sometimes even our families. As you sit with this passage today, think of it as a series of invitations into a new way of being in the world. Notice what the opposites are of each of these invitations and how there’s often a different approach that comes out from our gut. And see if there is one or two that you can settle into and own today - receiving that invitation and living it out.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. - Romans 12:9-16