You Can Do It (Part 2)

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Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality. Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9-21 (Amplified)

CG Discussion Questions:

1. 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.
(Romans 12:9a-10, 15; 1 Corinthians 13:5-6; 1 John 3:18; Matthew 22:37-39)

2. 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.
(Romans 12:13, 15-16; Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:16-17, 21; James 3:16)

3. 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; Galatians 2:20)