Romans 12: An overview-part two

Verses four through eight which speak about the use of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are compared to the many parts in the human body. In the same way there are many parts of a human body each serving its purpose, there are many spiritual gifts within the body of Christ each serving in a unique way. Verses four and five illustrate this: “just as each of us has one body with many members and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” We who are believers belong to this body; the body of Christ. Paul goes on to state that whatever our gift(s) might be, one ought to use them for the edification of the church whether it be teaching, encouraging or showing mercy.

Continuing on in verses 9-21 we read an array of specific instructions on loving those around us; not only our brethren but our enemies as well. Paul speaks of Christian relationships along with our treatment of non-Christians.

We read in verse 10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Or in other words love others with such a passion that you put their needs ahead of your own. Not only those we want to love, but as verse 14 states: “bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” This language is similar to that used in Matthew 5:10 where Jesus taught: “blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Combining these two verses we learn that part of being blessed is being persecuted and in response we need to bless those who are persecuting us.

Imagine this. Being insulted at work for believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, being scorned and ridiculed for believing in this “fairy tale.” We are commanded to turn around and bless those who are insulting us. Perhaps buying them lunch or saying a kind word in return. Loving our enemies is not easy, yet in verse 17 we read: “do not repay anyone evil for evil.” It appears as if the issue of dealing with conflict within the church in Rome and conflict with those outside of the church was a topic of concern to Paul.