Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Do you see it? God is not working to bring us back to “Normal.” He is clearly doing something new! I caution you, as well as myself. Do not rejoice that justice has appeared, as Jesus said in Luke 10: 20, “… but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Pray for those who have found disillusionment. Reconcile with those who have been against you. Forgive others so God can forgive you.

When Pastor Cheryl Gmitter spoke at LiveMore women’s ministry’s fall meeting, she sent us home with the following passage from Romans 12. Let’s see what this section of Scripture will teach us today, on this side of the heated election season. How do we walk in love and…

Behave Like a Christian

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

For the past few mornings, I have heard, “Let love be without hypocrisy.” And could not think what came next. I’ve been listening to Kevin Zadai’s videos while I trim venison for my son. Kevin repeatedly emphasizes that we need to become secure in the Father’s love so that nothing can shake us. Have you turned off the news yet?

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;

Humanly, it is difficult to give preference to others and continue in diligence and fervency. In the Spirit, as we faithfully serve the Lord, we become fervent and diligent.  We must choose to be kind and affectionate, walking in brotherly love.

12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Are you able to rejoice in these days? Do you hope in God, have patience in the hard days?  It all comes from faithful times of prayer. [of course, time in the Word goes hand in hand with prayer]

13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

This is a time to show our love for others by sharing what we have and spending time together, rejoicing and encouraging each other.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

I hit a nerve with a Christian friend on Facebook as the election rhetoric heated up. I’ve rarely had anyone take offense at something I post, so her relentless back and forth caused me to dig in and practice this verse. It was several days before we agreed to disagree. I told her that no matter what happened with elections, I still love her as a child of God.

15. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

This verse is a difficult point, but it’s a good thing to walk out over this time of upset and division.

16. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Oh, the glory and joy that come when we heed this verse! When Jesus commanded us to love each other so our joy may be full, He meant it. What joy fills me when I’m communing with others who are full of the Spirit!

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.

This is a stern warning! The devil and his demons like it when we repay evil for evil; it puts them in a tizzy when we keep good things high in our beings. It’s a creative choice when we choose to truly live peaceably with others.

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.

It’s a release from a heavy weight when we drop the weapon. Our Lord knows how to rightly deal with the offenders.

20 Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

In other words, many persecuted Christians have led those who persecute them to Christ! I leave you with this final directive:

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.