Too
often our motivations are effectively set for us by others and by this, I mean,
we behave as they behave. If you are grumpy toward me then I will in turn be
grumpy toward you. You’re not smiling today? Then don’t expect any smiles from
me coming your way. If you aren’t doing your job then why should I do mine…and
on it goes: Action, then Reaction.
How
utterly tragic.
Jesus
came to radically change this cycle. You are a sinner—I’ll save you. You are
lost—I’ll find you. You are guilty—I’ll take your place, I will take the blame,
I will be the one cursed, I’ll die instead of you.
When
we ‘get’ the gospel then we will always be deliberately acting like Jesus
instead of reacting toward others as if Jesus didn’t exist. Consider these
admonitions from Romans 12.
Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Be kindly affectionate to
one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not
lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope,
patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the
needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with
those who weep.
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.
Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all
men.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you,
live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is
written, “Vengeance is Mine, I
will repay,”[a] says the Lord.
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.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil
with good.
And do
try this at home.
