Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited (Romans 12:16).
The verse above is part of many scriptures with the subheading, “Love in Action” in the New International Version of the Bible, Romans 12:9-21.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
What the Apostle Paul has written to the Christians in Rome is self-explanatory.
It is also important to note that Paul lived under the oppressive Roman Empire governance and the persecution of the Jewish religious authority. It was the martial law regime of his time.
The primary underlying principle that must exist in us as Christians are to see our fellowmen as equal beings created in the image of God.
For example, if a person did not vote for your candidate in an election, and you fiercely believe that yours is a wise choice, you shouldn’t label or put down the person.
Maybe you should also ask yourself, have you done enough to share the truth, starting with Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
On the other side, if you are victorious or your candidate won the campaign, be gracious and kind in victory.
Thus, whether you have lost or won, regardless of status, as Christians, we must put our LOVE IN ACTION.
May we all be guided accordingly to what the Bible says. This action is always the best way we can make a significant difference in this uncertain and evil world.
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