Dare to be Different

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 12:9-21

 

Romans 12:9

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

(ESV)

 

We live in a secular world where people practice evil like condoning abortion or the killing of innocent life. It is a world dominated by division with each side pridefully believing their beliefs are supreme with many unopposed to violence to advance their beliefs. It is a world where governments and individuals have no concept of living within their means financially, mounting up debt with a day of reckoning coming evidenced by increasing inflation. People seek answers but cannot find them in the government or the world economic system. Sadly, the Church should provide answers through Christ by spreading the Gospel but instead compromise with the world to attract membership and contributions, acting in a consumeristic manner instead of the Great Commission (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). It is time for Christians to take the lead and dare to be different from the world by living according to Godly principles (Romans 12:2).

 

A Christian is to practice genuine love, abhor evil, and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Genuine love when practiced between believers in Christ is brotherly affection that outdoes others in showing love and practiced without slothfulness but with a fervency of spirit (Romans 12:10-11). Christians daring to be different from the world rejoice in hope, have patience when facing tribulation, and have a foundation of consistency in prayer (Romans 12:12). Christians daring to be different also contribute to the needs of other believers and show hospitality (Acts 2:42, 44-45; Romans 12:13).

 

Instead of cursing those bringing persecution for their faith, Christians dare to be different by blessing them (Romans 12:14). Christians daring to be different show empathy by weeping with those that weep and rejoicing with those that rejoice (Romans 12:15). Christians daring to be different live harmoniously with one another and do not ignore but associate with the lowly, and void  of prideful wisdom (Romans 12:16). Christians dare to be different by not vengefully returning evil for evil but are thoughtful to act honorably in the sight of all (Romans 12:17). When possible, Christians live peaceably with others and avoid avenging themselves but instead leave vengeance to the Lord (Romans 12:18-19). On the contrary, Christians daring to be different will feed and provide water for their enemies, convicting them by showing them the love of God (Romans 12:20). In summation, a Christian daring to be different is not overcome with evil and instead overcomes evil with good (Romans 12:21).

 

Romans 12:9-21 provides a list of guidelines for genuine Christian living beginning with a foundation of genuine love, abhorring evil, and embracing that which is good. Genuine love, however, goes beyond just loving one another with brotherly affection but also includes loving those who persecute us and not cursing them (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:14). Genuine love is also void of pride and willing to love the lowly (Romans 12:16). In response to a question from a lawyer asking who his neighbor was, the Lord answered with the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The context of this parable is a lack of love between Jews and Samaritans. The lawyer would have felt conviction by the story as it illustrates how a Samaritan hated by Jews would extend love and compassion towards an injured Jew. Genuine love is also void of vengeance not repaying evil with evil but attempting to live peaceably with all whenever possible (Romans 12:18-21).  

 

If there is to be a revival in our land, The Church must,

 

1)      Learn to love one another within the Church for that is how the world will view us as disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35).

2)      Remember to love the sinner while hating the sin. Jesus did not die for those who live in obedience to the law for sinners (Romans 5:8) with salvation not based upon one's efforts but on what Jesus did on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also must remember that we are all sinners in need of a savior (Romans 3:23). Revival will occur when the Church reaches out to sinners without being judgmental and instead pointing them to a loving Heavenly Father who sent his only son to die for their sins without condemnation (John 3:16-17).           

3)      Pray for government leaders (Romans 13:1-7). While these leaders may not lead in a Godly manner, God has appointed them (Romans 13:1-7). Similar to loving the sinner while hating the sin, the Church should take a stand against government policies that violate biblical principles but pray for leaders supporting these principles for like us, they are sinners needing a savior. Pray for leaders and condemn their ungodly policies.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed to make Jesus your savior, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

When one decides to live for Christ, they are deciding to live a life that does not conform to this world and instead a transformed life that glorifies God (Romans 12:2). The Christian life is a life that dares to be different so the world can see the benefits of living for Christ. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post to dare to be different.