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A Christian Should……. By Stanley T. Crawford
As Christians we should treat each other according to the
guidelines established by God. God has defined guidelines for
our behavior with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In
addition, God has defined how we should treat the non-Christian.
In some cases the guidelines are the same for our behavior
towards the Christian and non-Christian. In other cases there
are unique behaviors that we should display toward the Christian
and the non-Christian. A look at Romans 12:9 – 21 sheds light on
this issue. In this passage, Paul defines some of the desired
behaviors for Christians in our interactions with Christians and
non-Christians.
Paul begins by pointing out that the love that we demonstrate
should be real (Romans12:9). Paul proceeds to point out that our
focus should be on the good and not evil. When people say
terrible things about us we shouldn’t do the same to them. We
should instead bless them (Romans 12:14). Implementing this
behavior is a challenge in some situations. At times, our
emotional state toward our antagonist makes it difficult to
bless and not curse. Yet, we must try to remember that God knows
best even over our perceptions. (Proverbs 3:5 & 6)
Also, we should show compassion and empathy (Romans 12:15). We
should apply this behavior with the Christian and non-Christian.
Showing compassion or empathy does not mean that we are to adopt
behaviors that aren’t Christ like.
In addition, Paul tells us that we should live peaceably with
all men, if possible, and when it is in our power to do so
(Romans 12:18). There are times when it is indeed within our
power to promote peace. For instance, when we are in a heated
discussion our choice of words becomes very important. Our
choice of words to convey our message can fall between the range
of inflammatory to conciliatory. The Bible provides food for
thought in this area. Consider, “A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).” So we should
ask ourselves, “Are we trying to live peaceably?” There are
times when the answer will be “yes” and times when the answer
will be “no.”
When others hurt us, we are exhorted not to take revenge. God
has reserved revenge for himself (Romans12:19). If you ever sit
down and think about this, who can better render justice then an
omnipotent being, God. God tells us that, if our enemy has a
need that we can meet, then meet that need. In meeting our
enemy’s need we “heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:30).
These are very powerful words; these words let us know that God
will handle things in his time. We have merely to allow God to
be God. From this, we can draw the conclusion that God cares for
his children.
Copyright 2002, Stanley T. Crawford, is the editor of, “People
of the Bible,” and webmaster of http://www.whatismyname.com. All
Rights Reserved. mailto:scrawford@whatismyname.com
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