Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
Romans 12:12-13 HCSB
Yesterday we spoke of Christian ethics or how a Christian should behave. We talked about loving without hypocrisy and detesting evil and clinging to what is good. Today we will continue on how Christians should behave. Jesus set the perfect example of this when he walked on this earth before His crucifixion.
Our hope is found in Him. So, why wouldn’t we rejoice in the fact that He died to set us free from our sins? We have hope. He is our hope when things seem hopeless. He is the reason we can face the trials and tribulations of this world. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us we will have to suffer in this world, but we can have peace and be courageous because He has conquered the world.
For these same reasons, we can be patient in affliction. I don’t know about you, but this is hard for me to do. If I am suffering, I want it over right away. I want God to swoop in and deliver me from my troubles. I try to focus on Romans 8:28 knowing if I just love Him and do what He has called me to do, He will work all this suffering out for my good.
When we are facing difficult times, we must be persistent in prayer. We are usually more persistent in prayer during hard times, but we must also remember to be just as persistent in thanking God for all the good He does for us. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. We should be continually praying to give thanks to God. We should thank God even for the hard times, knowing these times grow our faith and aid in Christian maturity (James 1:2-4).
Share with the saints in their needs. Christianity is a brotherhood. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, we should share with each other. We should be in fellowship and communion. Paul described the first church in Acts 1:32 by saying they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. This is what our relationships with our fellow Christians should look like.
We should pursue hospitality. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.” We never know what another person is going through. Be kind. Offer help when it’s needed. This doesn’t mean just your friends, but strangers as well.
I know these days safety is a consideration, but this doesn’t mean we can’t help out if we are in Walmart or any other public place and we see someone who is struggling. If you are in a position to offer help, do so.
Show hospitality to those around you. Welcome friends and family into your home and always be willing to show what Christ’s love looks like. When others see you rejoice in hope, show patience during times of affliction and be persistent in prayer, they will see something different in you. They will see that peace that passes all understanding. In a world torn by evil, they may want some of that.
Be hospitable and kind, taking the time to tell them how you got to that point in your life. Be ready to share your
testimony and let them know how they too can have a peace that passes all understanding.
Have a great day!