Silence: Find a quiet place, remove potential distractions, clear your mind of other thoughts, and ask God to speak to you as you read and contemplate this passage:

Reflective Reading: Read Romans 12:9-16 thoughtfully:

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, 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.

Meditation: Reflect on this portion of Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians – you may want to read this whole chapter, as it is generally thought of as one of the best summaries of Christian duties found in scripture. What is God speaking to you through this passage? What is the challenge that Paul outlines, regarding a believer’s responsibilities to other believers?

Oration: From your reading and prayer, verbalize or write in the space below your response to what God is speaking to you from this passage:

Contemplation: Over the next day, contemplate this passage and what God is saying to you. Think on these topics:

• This passage contains many powerful verbs and adverbs that describe a Christian’s inner-drive. Hate evil; cling to good; never lack zeal; keep spiritual fervor…How powerful is your Christian inner-drive? Do these verbs/adverbs describe you?
• When did you last truly rejoice with another believer over something in their spiritual walk…over something in their personal life? When did you last compassionately mourn with another believer over something in their spiritual walk…over something in their personal life?
• If your love of Jesus were measured by your degree of zeal or fervor, how do you measure?
• What actions might this passage be directing you to begin?