Why we do what we do--Kayla Gill
I decided to write my post on the readings from Romans. This is by far one of my favorite books to read. Romans deals with the Christian faith. It demonstrates that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It tells us that Christian's are helpless to the world and can not help themselves. They must rely on God. As the book continues, it hits topics that teach us to do what we should as Christians. Making it clear that this is what we do because we are Christians; not to gain salvation. In the particular books we have read, Paul is discussing what we should do as Christians in the case of dealing with other Christians. My favorite verse from chapter 12 is verse 18 which says, "If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." This is a good verse I like to keep with me. Saying that I should do what I can to not fight and to have good relationships; however, I can't control how other people act. I can not push them, but if someone does not want to live in peace, that is not on my hands. Paul leads the church (church, in this case, meaning "called out ones" --"called out of darkness") on how they should act and treat the ones like them. He describes how we are one body of Christ and there is strength in unity.
All people are under one sin. We are all equal. We should treat those around us as we would want to be treated. Show them mercy and love as Jesus would. Be the example of the church and show God's love through your life. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" Romans 12:10
PS: I commented on AnnaKate and Zelda's posts.
I love that little piece of clarification given in Romans12:18 - "so far as it depends on you." We are only responsible for our own thoughts and actions, and those things need to mirror Christ as much as they possibly can. So live at peace as well as you can, making sure your OWN heart is in the right place before trying to reprimand others. It's like a Biblical reminder to stay in your lane. Romans is also one of my favorite books to study. I always find something brand new no matter how many times I read it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is incredible to understand that through sin, all people are equal. Also that because of free will, we are in full control of our sin nature and our intentions of sin.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said at the end about us being one body of Christ in strength and unity. I think sometimes we get caught up in the check list of church. We go on Sundays and Wednesdays, and occasionally do a church camp or something to make us feel good about ourselves. When really we all have a job to do as Christians and we're given strength to do that.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutly right Kaye, we are all equal and should treat each other as so. I think a lot of people forget this rule sometimes. That being said, this rule does not imply that we have to stay in friends or in relationships with people who treat us badly. If we as a society could find the balance between respect, being rude, acceptance, and sticking up for what one believes in, I think we would all be a whole lot better off.
ReplyDeleteI love the incorporation of Romans 12:10 because as Christians we are to love each other with full love and commitment for and to anyone we are around.
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