McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: Ge 42, Mk 12, Job 8, Ro 12
…we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another…
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…
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. (Romans 12:5, 9-10, 14-18)
In this chapter Paul transitions to application. He has spent 11 chapters expounding the gospel and now tells us what life is to look like for those saved by it. One of the first things to note is that the gospel has made us “members one of another”. If one of us is blessed, all of us are blessed. If one of us is hurt, all of us are hurt. If Christians actually lived this way in America, can you imagine the testimony it would give to the world? Instead, I see too often people abandon each other when they get hurt, or talk about each other (in the guise of working through their own feelings), in such a way that escalates conflict.
The good news is that the gospel has the power to save. But you must be willing to let go of your pride (i.e. “offer your bodies as living sacrifices”) and let the gospel take hold (“be transformed by the renewal of your mind”).
