Living it out

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Don not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you. live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire in his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

This was my reading this morning. Wow. There's a lot there. I think, to everyone who has tried to apply this, they would agree that it's not easy. It's incredibly hard (if not impossible) to do on your own strength and understanding. However, I am finding day after day, that as I surrender MY ways and MY thoughts, and MY goals, and allow time in the word to change me, it is easier than I could imagine. I am continually in awe of the transforming power of the Word and the Holy Spirit, living in me. I am hopeful that who ever takes the time to read through this will let it set on you awhile. Never forget, that wherever you are, there is ALWAYS hope. You are loved! ~Jaime