“By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
“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 haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” Romans 12:3-6a,9-19
Paul has just described the inexplicable and beautiful mystery of God’s loving election and irretrievable calling of His people, and moves on to the practical implications of daily living. Under new identity in Christ, all who are saved are to live distinct from the pattern of the world, serving one another and the Body as those transformed. The rule of life is now the rule of love. (Romans 10:8-17; 11:29-12:2)
There is no solo or silo existence for the children of God, but a rich weaving together and building up according to applied gifts. The benefits of living out this transformed life are many, bestowing treasures of love, communion among the saints, encouragement, and mutual fulfillment as God’s giftings are exercised. A vibrant community of Christ’s own is replete with light for the world and raises glory to the Giver of those gifts.
In order to be a vital, contributing member of the Body, we must be spiritually healthy ourselves. Daily offering our bodies before the Lord as living sacrifices establishes a selfless mindset, and gears us toward consideration of how we can serve the Lord and others in His name. Surrendering our will and control frees us to serve as He bids, to use what He’s entrusted to us for His kingdom purposes.
How sober is our judgment of ourselves? Pondering this passage, can we honestly say we no longer live for self but for the good of others? Recounting Christ’s love for us, how genuine is our love for His Body? Do we find it easy to lavish on certain people, and more difficult on others?
How fervently do we employ our gifts for others’ good? In what ways are we actively honoring and preferring those around us? What are we doing to extend hospitality, empathize, promote harmony? Blessings abound when we humble ourselves before the King, and humbly serve His people.
Father, may I gratefully, effectively share Your gifts of grace, to Your praise.
As the rain and snow 