The Apostle Paul continues to rattle off his guidance. Some of it is hard to swallow. We are to bless those who persecute us. We are not to curse them. In a culture that seeks immediate revenge for any offense, this is nearly unimaginable. Yet it follows Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).
He then says we are to rejoice with those who rejoice. We may or may not want to rejoice. If it is a family member or friend, we are likely to join in rejoicing with them. However, if it is a competition we lose, we may not want to rejoice with the victor.
We are to weep with those who weep. Commiserating with one another demonstrates compassion. We all need compassion from time-to-time. We experience sorrow, emotional pain, and loss. Sitting quietly with someone experiencing sorrow is the best thing we can do.
Paul says we are to live in harmony. Harmony does not mean we all play the same note. Think about it. It is the right combination of different notes that make up a chord on a piano or guitar. The voices of a choir are made up of sopranos, basses, tenors, and altos. It is the harmony that makes beautiful music.
Arrogance can ruin a friendship. It can immediately cause people to dislike you. Spending time with the lowly is not something we readily do. Not many of us volunteer in a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. It is the poor kid with only a couple change of clothes that is made fun of. But that is not what Paul calls on us to do.
He continues by stating we are not to claim to be wiser than we are. This is akin to saying do not think more highly of yourself than you should. We like to think we know it all. We like to think we know what is best. However, none of us know it all. We are better when we listen to others, think through what we have heard, discuss option, and determine the best way forward collectively.
I pray we all choose to listen to Paul and consider his guidance. I pray we decide to apply it in our lives. I pray each one of us will commit to being more like Jesus. Bless others. Rejoice. Be compassionate. Live in harmony. Do not be arrogant. Help those in need. Listen before speaking.
Romans 12:14-16 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
Marty Pressey 