Monday Evening our weekly staff prayer group met again, this time we where talking about the topic of "Community" and "godly lifestyle" based on Romans 12,9-21...
Since then, I couldn't let go the thoughts, how to live, it is written in there so clearly... and when I came across Sacharja 7 last night, I realized, that God has always wanted us to live this way, so here is what theses texts say:
Romans 12:
- Love must be sincere - which means no hiding , no pretending, no lying (of course...)
- Hate what is evil - what does hating look like, running away from it? trying not to get any contact? We should certainly hate the things that are evil, but be careful not to condemn the people, that might do these...
- Cling to what is good - God is good, that's what I know!
- Be devoted to one another, honour one another above yourself - Loving every other person like my siblings, that is the point, where it becomes clear, that is nothing I could ever do out of my own...
- Don't be lazy - ...
- but serve the Lord devoted and through his Spirit - how often do we try to organize or do things for God, but out of our resources and not fully relying on Him?
- Be joyful in hope - that is easy so far...
- patient in affliction - it's getting thougher
- faithful in prayer - actually quite logic, but why is it still so hard then?
- Share with God's people who are in need. Practise hospitality - when was the last time you did something for someone without expecting anything back?
- Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse - now, that is hard, just think about a traffic jam... it is hard enough not to curse, but bless them? -> We cannot do this out of ourselves!
- Be happy with the happy ones, and mourn with those, who are mourning - try to be an empathetic person, without playing a role
- If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone - very hard...
And it just goes on and on...
Sacharja 7,4-14:
- Administer true justice
- Show mercy and compassion
- Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor
- In your hearts do not think evil of each other
It says the same... but can I ever fulfill all of this wise advice? - No, I can't out of my own....
But with the help of God and his Spirit, like it says in Romans 12,11 it is at least possible to try and He will show His mercy and power as the Almighty One, for whom all things are possible!
