Directly after encouraging us with the discussion on the different gifts and functions we are called to in the body of Christ, Paul gives us an ethical conduct statement. Paul knew very well that we are imperfect and that in spite of being endowed with these wonderful gifts, we still need to be admonished to be aware of our own selfish and fleshly ways of doing. He wanted us to be intentional about overcoming our 'weak points' or battlefields. In a 12-point statement, Paul underpinned our conduct with each other with godly principles of what I would like to call a Statement of Ethical Conduct in the body of Christ. In our day and time where corruption is rife in the world and even in the church, it would serve us well to revisit these guidelines from Paul. If we conduct ourselves in this manner it will greatly assist us in living above reproach in a world of decaying ethics, morals and righteousness.
Romans 12:9-21
9 [Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.
11 Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.
12 Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of God’s people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].
16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.
18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.
21 Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
Point to ponder
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us when we are not conducting our lives in accordance to these biblical principles, and ask His Wisdom to be able to change our attitudes and way of living around so that we can honour and glorify our God with the way we live, and move, and have our being. Let us ask Him to recreate us into His image.
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