Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is writing this letter to a Jesus shaped community in Rome that was severely divided. At first this community consisted of Jewish Christians and Gentile christians alike. Then the roman emperor expelled all the jews from Rome and when they returned the Jewish christians returned to a church that was very non jewish. There were deep divisions over jewish customs and freedom in christ. So Paul wrote this letter to help unify the church in Rome. In chapter 12, he charges the community with a challenging call to love and forgive one another. No matter where you are, this is a deeply challenging invitation to the way of justice.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What word or Phrase stands out to you?
2. What part of this passage challenges you the most?
3. Bring to mind the parts of your life or the people in you life that make it challenging.
4. Ask the Lord to help you live out this love.
