Romans 12:9-21 NKJV
Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil.
Cling to what is good.
(10) Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,
in honor giving preference to one another;
(11) not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
(12) rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation,
continuing steadfastly in prayer;
(13) distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
(14) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
(15) Rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep.
(16) Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.
Do not be wise in your own opinion.
(17) Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
(18) If it is possible, as much as depends on you,
live peaceably with all men.
(19) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to wrath;
for it is written,
“VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,”
says the Lord.
(20) Therefore, “IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM;
IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK;
FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD.”
(21) Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.
~Apostle Paul
Constant Reminder
It’s helpful to remember
We live in caustic times
If we are going to be right
Then we must do good.
Each has their method
Using reminder tools to assist
Of numbers to call, or letters to write,
Or even dates we don’t want to miss.
But we assume we know it all
When challenges plop into our sphere
We think we can handle everything
On lessons, we learned back then.
I’ve learned it’s not true,
To keep my memory sharp and poignant
To know how to be better than circumstances
I need reminders that are constant.
Tie a bow around that finger,
Keep a lucky coin in your pocket
Recite your scouting motto
Surely, you’re doing everything right.
Maybe we need good reminders
Constantly heeding better advice.
But to be the best, it must be ingrained
To tell ourselves how to be each moment.
Good, better, best.
Never let it rest.
Till your good gets better.
And your better gets best.
~Rev James L Kilgore