Mission Journal #8 - Good and Evil

Today's Scripture focus is from Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.      Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.  Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
     Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
     Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
   “I will take revenge;
      I will pay them back,”
      says the Lord.

     Instead,
   “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
      If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
   In doing this, you will heap
      burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

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I thought it was good to read what the commentary in my NLT Bible says this for verses 17-21

"These verses summarize the core of Christian living.  If we love someone the way Christ loves us, we will be willing to forgive.  If we have experienced God's grace, we will want to pass it on to others.  And remember, grace is undeserved favor.  By giving an enemy a drink, we're not excusing his misdeeds.  We're recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins - just as Christ did for us."

Pray that the team will be able to take each encounter they have and show God's love.  Whether these encounters are easy or are challenging, pray that they will be able to do what it says in verse 9 and 10, "Really love them." and "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other".