Rules For Christian Living

Romans 12:9–16
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

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Concern

Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host and the home. The home must be spotless, the food must be well prepared, the host must appear to be relaxed and good natured. Hospitality by contrast focuses on the guest. Hospitality can happen in a messy home; it can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup. It concentrates on others’ needs; whether a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear or acceptance are the primary concern. It can even happen while the host and the guests are doing chores together. Don’t hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain.

Our Christianity should affect the following:
Our character (v. 9)
Our contacts (v. 10)
Our conduct (v. 11)
Our convictions (v. 12)
Our concern (v. 13)

When dealing with non-Christians, we are:

To discern him (v. 14) - By speaking well of him
To discover him (v. 15) - By building bridges

When dealing with Christians we are:

Not to be partial (v. 16a) - But considerate and compassionate
Not to be proud (v. 16b) - But lowly and meek

Application

What could I do this week to show loving concern toward someone who has mistreated me?

Romans 12:9-16 (English Standard Version)

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View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »