9 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 iswritten, “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.
Rom 12:9-21
Q & A：
- What are the 4 distinct instructions to stay away from evil in the main passage and how would you respond living in this fallen world? Discuss what sincere and genuine love should be like, in loving your neighbor as yourself and why love should always have corresponding action. (Rom 12:9a-10, 15; 1 Cor 13:5-6; 1 John 3:18; Matt 22:37-39)
- From the story of the Good Samaritan in showing mercy to the victim whom nobody helped, what have you learnt about loving your neighbor, weeping with those who weep and to be the conduit of God to bless those in need? Explain how someone like King Saul who exhibited traits of strife, pride, self-seeking and envy ended up inviting all kinds of evil with no joy nor peace into his life. (Rom 12:13, 15-16; Gal 6:10; Rom 12:16-17, 21; Jam 3:16)
- By referring to Joseph, a man of character who broke the chain of evil, discuss how we can overcome evil with good when our flesh does not want to do good. Who are your enemies including those who upset you or stir up your emotions, and discuss how it can be liberating to forgive and when you choose to love others instead of being overcome and conquered by evil? (John 15:4-5; Gal 2:20)