The Gospel – that is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ – should have a profound effect on our lives. Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf is the strongest expression of God’s love for us and of His mercy.
Because God has shown us His love and mercy, we also ought to show love and mercy to others. In his inspired letter to the followers of Christ in Rome, the Apostle Paul writes in chapter 12, verses 9 through 21, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In this passage Paul lists several things which we ought to do because God has shown us mercy. He says that love must be sincere – it must be more than words. God’s love compelled Him to act. His love for us was so strong that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from our sin. In the same way, our love should also compel us to serve others.
If we have this kind of God-like love what will it prompt us to do? One of the characteristics of love is that it hates evil. In another place Paul writes that, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV) Therefore, if we have love, we will shun evil and do what is good. It will cause us to put the interests of others ahead of what benefits us.
Love will also prompt us to serve God. The more we consider and reflect on God’s love the more willing we will be to serve Him. Awareness of God’s love helps us endure the hardships and disappointments of this life. God’s love gives us hope. Hope brings joy. Because we hope, we can be patient when we suffer. Just as we like to talk to people we love and who love us, God’s love for us and our love for Him prompts us to speak to Him in prayer. We can share our worries, sorrows, our hopes and our joys with Him.
Love also enables us to serve other people. Paul writes that we should be hospitable – inviting others into our homes for fellowship and meals. We should also help our fellow believers by participating in their physical and material needs.
However, we should not limit showing love to only fellow believers. Paul writes that we should not curse, but bless even those who persecute us. In doing this we follow the example of Christ. The Apostle Peter writes, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV)
Loving others and putting their interests first causes us to empathize with them. We will rejoice with them when they receive blessings. Similarly, we will mourn with them when they are in sorrow. When we understand and empathize with what others experience, it will help us to live in harmony with them.
Reflecting on God’s love and mercy will not only cause us to act in certain ways, it will cause us to refrain from other things. Paul writes that the followers of Christ should not be proud. Earlier in this letter he demonstrated that we have nothing to be proud about. All of us are sinners. None of us can save ourselves from God’s wrath by doing good works. The only way we can be reconciled to God is through His mercy. In view of this, we should not be conceited or too proud to associate with others since we need the same grace and mercy as they do.
When someone wrongs us, our natural tendency is to take revenge and do wrong to them. But Paul writes that the followers of Christ are not to repay evil with evil. Instead we are to do what is right. Instead of stirring up trouble and dissension, as far as it is possible, we are to live in peace with everyone. Though it should be our goal to get along with everyone, unfortunately this is not always possible. Jesus brought a message of love, forgiveness and reconciliation, yet people abused and crucified Him. If they did that to our Lord, it should not surprise us if we find it impossible to be at peace with some people.
What should our response be to people who refuse our efforts to be at peace with them? Paul writes that instead of taking revenge we should do what is right and good. Why should we refrain from taking revenge? The reason is that God reserves revenge for Himself. When we take revenge instead of giving the situation to God, we are exceeding our authority. We act as if we are the judge when it is God who rewards and punishes each of us according to what we have done. God knows all; He is all powerful; He is just. He will avenge the wrongs done to His children far better than we ever could.
Instead of taking revenge, we are to respond with acts of kindness. When we take care of our enemies needs, it causes them remorse. As Paul said earlier in this letter, “…God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” (Romans 2:4 NIV) Our kindness reflects God’s kindness and can have the same result. It is a practical example of the principle Paul states, that we are to overcome evil with good.