May 24, 2026

Romans 12:14-21

Uncomfortable Contradictions

John 15:13

1 John 3:16-18

Revelation 12:10-11

1. Taking Down a Wall (v. 14)

A. Persecution as a Value?

Matthew 5:11-12

B. Being Like Jesus

Matthew 5:44

Luke 6:27-28

“Blessing is a boundary-removing act, just as cursing is a boundary-defining act. Invoking God into one’s relationships was a powerful thing to do.” - Ben Witherington Paul's Letter to the Romans

2. Looking Outward (vs. 15-18)

A. Celebrating and Grieving (v. 15)

Do you even have one person to go to with good things? Do you have one person to go to with tough times?

B. Harmony and not Haughty (v. 16)

Acts 4:32

Proverbs 11:2

Proverbs 16:18-19

Proverbs 29:23

C. A Refund on Payback (v. 17)

Matthew 5:38-42

D. Living at Peace (v. 18)

Matthew 5:9

3. Giving to Your Enemy (vs. 19-21)

A. Against Vengeance (v. 19)

Leviticus 19:17-18

Romans 1:18-20

B. Feeding Your Enemy (v. 20)

Matthew 5:44-47

Proverbs 25:21-22

C. Overcome Evil with Good (v. 21)

Mark 10:17-18

“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tender hearted and of quick sympathy, and His unfailing attitude toward all moral beings is open, frank, and friendly. By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people. That God is good is taught or implied on every page of the Bible…” - AW Tozer

Titus 3:4-7

Galatians 5:22-23

Reflection:

Can you see the connection between the self-sacrifice of others and the goodness of God Himself?

How are you presenting yourself as a living sacrifice today?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Romans 12:1,2

On this Memorial Day, think on these two verses and how the Lord would encourage in the ways to offer your life as a living sacrifice.

Tuesday:

Read: Titus 3:4-7

When did the “goodness of God” appear in your life? How have you experienced His goodness recently? How are you overcoming evil with good in your life?

Wednesday:

Read: Matthew 5:44-47

What do you find most challenging about Jesus’ words? Is there a place in your life where you need to apply these principles?

Thursday:

Read: Matthew 5:9

Who are the peacemakers in your life? How do they live that makes them a peacemaker?

Friday:

Read: Leviticus 19:17-18

What permission is given here and what restriction is given? Have you seen this practiced well?

Saturday:

Read: Galatians 5:22-23

This is an invitation to move beyond the natural to the supernatural. Will you put yourself aside in order to allow these qualities to come from the Holy Spirit?