The ultimate example…. (devo reflection)

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  

You’ve heard of a compliment sandwich? Where you begin and end with a compliment to someone and have whatever is difficult for that person to hear sandwiched in the middle? Today’s verses seem like some kind of reverse compliment sandwich, where you begin and end with really difficult directives and put the easy stuff in the middle.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Rejoicing with those rejoicing, mourning with those who mourning, not getting too big for your britches, not being conceited–those are fairly easy, fairly doable. But blessing those who persecute you? Doing what is right in the eyes of everyone? Everyone? Those feel fairly insurmountable at times.

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Precious Savior, You prayed for those who persecuted You as You were dying. You’ve set the ultimate example of how to live according to these verses. But that doesn’t make it any easier to do. Help me to live as You lived, to love as You love, to do my best every day to shine Your light, to forgive myself as You forgive when I mess up, which I undoubtedly will. Amen.

Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 

Have a blessed day.