"And put on the new self, which in likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." Ephesians 4:24

Today let's look into Romans 12:9-17 to see some things Scripture is telling us concerning our conduct. One translation labels this section 'Love', another labels vs. 3-19 'Responsibility Toward Society' and still another refers to it as 'Christian Behavior'. Whatever you choose to label it, it is the Apostle Paul's admonition to us to 'put on the new self' and live in 'righteousness and holiness of the truth.'

Vs: 9, "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."
*Of hypocrisy: Jesus speaking to disciples, gave a parable concerning judging others, "How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite!..." Luke 6:42 *Of good and evil: "Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Vs:10, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor."
*Of love: "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart." 1 Peter 1:22 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." Philippians 2:3

Vs. 11, "not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;"
*Of serving the Lord: "Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John." Acts 18:24-25

Vs. 12, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer,"
*Of hope: "...Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Romans 5:1-2
*Of tribulation: Jesus tells us,
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 *Of continuing in prayer:
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..."
Ephesians 6:18

Vs. 13, "distributing to the needs of the saints, given in hospitality."
*Of needs: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10 *Of hospitality: "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling."
1 Peter4:9

Vs. 14, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."
*Of persecution: Jesus speaking, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44

Vs. 15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
*Of body relationship: "...the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ..." 1 Corinthians 11:25-27

Vs. 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."
*Of like mindedness: "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

Vs. 17, "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men."
*Of peace with all men: "Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14

Let us all read Romans 12 and make any necessary adjustments so that we may be that expression of a child of God, living unto and out from Him.

We lift our voice in praise and honor to You most holy God. We thank You that You have called us according to Your own purpose:
"For who He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified and whom He justified, they He also glorified." Romans 8:29-30 Amen