Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Choose one or two key verses from the Scripture reading in Romans today and do at least one of the following for your chosen verse(s).
A – Ask questions of the text (Who, what, why, where, when)
E – Emphasize certain words as you read the text over & over
I – In your own words (paraphrase one or more verses)
O – Other verses in the Bible that say the same or opposite
U – Use it; apply the truth from the text in your life
Heavenly Father, sometimes Your commands are hard to understand and follow. But You are wise and know that responding with evil to those who are evil to me will harden my own heart. Help me to follow Your Word and live at peace with everyone. Allow me to not take revenge, but trust for You to deal with the evil. Show me the needs of the person and lead me to serve no matter who they are through Your love. Amen.