Recoil

 

“Do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of ‘olam kazeh [this world].” (Romans 12:2) “Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; set examples for each other in showing respect.” (Romans 12:9) In America, it seems that respect is becoming a long lost expectation. Well, maybe the expectation is still there but the follow-through fell through. Each generation seems to get a little further away from understanding the importance of giving respect. To respect someone means that you view them as having real worth.

We all like to be treated as if people see the true value in us. How difficult is it for you to look at an apparent loser in life and see that God values that person? He loves the prisoner, the drug addict, the poor, the homeless, your parents, your children, and you, all the same, with fully-devoted-unchanging love. If you are having a difficult time finding value in the lives of those around you, “keep letting your mind be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed. For I am telling every single one of you…not to have exaggerated ideas about your own importance. Instead, develop a sober estimate of yourself based on the standard which God has given to you.” (Romans 12:2-3)

When the Bible says, “Love each other devotedly,” it does not have a side note about excluding those you don’t see as worthy of your love. None of us are worthy of being loved by God. “Set examples for each other in showing respect.” (Romans 12:10)