It Is Not Optional

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 25, 2017

Topic: It Is Not Optional 

Text: Romans 12:20 – 21

Four days before I wrote this, we discussed a similar passage (Luke 6:27 – 28) in Men’s Fellowship of our church. Some said it is not possible while others believe it is a difficult and hard task for us. When I rose up to contribute to the discussion, I told them that though it is a difficult and hard teaching, its compliance is not negotiable.

By giving an enemy a drink, we’re not excusing his misdeeds or not condemning the action. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins, just as Christ did for us. The implication of Romans 12:20 is that we should treat those who offend us kindly, well, and when they are in need, we should supply their wants.

This instruction seems very impossible thing to do because of our human nature but we should understand that if we can’t subject our human nature to obey us, then we are not worthy to be called Christians. Until we grow to the level of forgiving our ‘enemies’ we cannot claim that we are truly worthy to be called Christians (see Matthew 5:43 – 48). Matthew 5:44, 45 say, "But I say to you, love your enemies ... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven ...” From these two verses, it is obvious that if we can’t forgive our enemies, we shouldn’t lay claims to the fact that we are children of God. This is very important teaching we should take to heart in a time like this when the teaching in vogue is let my enemies fall and die. We should learn to live like our Father in heaven who forgives us freely.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:43 – 48

Memory verse: Romans 12 verse 20 – “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” (NKJV).

Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to forgive and love my enemies in Jesus name.