Romans 12

      6-8. Having then gifts. Each in the church had his duties, just as the hand, or foot, or eye of the body. These duties were indicated by the "gift" dealt out by "the measure of faith." They differed according to the grace that was given. Compare verse 3 . One gift was given to one, as he was seen to be fitted for it, and another gift to another. Seven gifts are now spoken of in succession. The first four are official, and some of them are extraordinary. Whether prophecy. To prophesy was to speak by inspiration. As the early church did not yet have the New Testament, many were thus inspired to speak. One would be called to this work. 7. Or ministry. If instead of prophecy, our gift be the more lowly one of ministering, let us give our time and attention to it. The word rendered "ministry" is Diakonia, "Deaconship," service. Or he that teacheth. The work of an elder, or bishop, who must be "apt to teach." If this was one's work, his soul must be put into it. 8. Or he that exhorteth. He whose peculiar strength was to encourage feeble saints, and to stir up Christians to duty. He that giveth. A duty of all, which must be discharged without ostentation. See Matt. 6:2 . He that ruleth. One who is an elder should attend to his duty with diligence, an exhortation that a great many elders have overlooked. Every leader should be diligent. He that sheweth mercy. Whenever called upon to show compassion.

      9-13. Let love be without dissimulation. Not a deceitful profession of love, but genuine; not like that of Judas to Christ, or Joab to Abner: a kiss and a stab. Abhor that which is evil. Evil must be repulsive to the saint; good, on the other hand, attractive. 10. With brotherly love. The brotherhood of the saints was not a name only, but a real tie of tenderness and love; and each, in the spirit of true brotherhood, was to seek the honor of his Christian brother. 11. Not slothful in business. See the Revision. The idea is, "Give all diligence." Fervent in spirit. Zealous, enthusiastic, not indifferent. Serving the Lord. Whatever we find to do is to be done with our might, but above all, the service of Christ. 12. Rejoicing in hope. Hopeful, and hence rejoicing in the prospect. Patient in tribulation. Patient in sorrow, suffering and persecution. Patience implies steadfastness. In prayer. "Praying always and fainting not" ( Luke 18:1 ). 13. Distributing. Making the needs of fellow saints your own and helping them. Given to hospitality. This duty was especially needful in those early days when Christians were so often driven from their homes by persecution.

      14-17. Bless them that persecute you. See Matt. 5:44 . Thus did Christ on the cross, and the martyred Stephen. He who can obey this precept is a transformed man. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, etc. Sympathize with the joys and sorrows of others. 16. Be of the same mind, etc. Let there be harmony; a spirit of concord. Mind not high things. Do not seek for official or social distinction. Obedience to this would eliminate caste from the church. Condescend to things that are lowly. So reads the Revision. Instead of seeking pre-eminence, we are to walk in lowly spirit like our Savior. Be not wise in your own conceits. Conceited and opinionated as the result.

      18-21. Live peaceably with all men. If you can do so. Sometimes it is impossible. Sometimes sinners are exceedingly mad against the saints. But we are to be "peacemakers" ( Matt. 5:9 ). 19. Beloved, avenge not yourselves. If we are injured, we are to leave the matter in the hands of God and give place unto his wrath. He sees and resents the injuries of his children. For it is written. Deut. 32:35 . The Lord claims it as his prerogative to avenge what needs to be avenged. When we do it, we trample on the divine rights. 20. If thine enemy hunger, feed him. This is the spirit of Christ's command, to return good for evil. Compare Proverbs 25:21 Proverbs 25:23 . Thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Thou wilt by this kindness most readily subdue him, and make him feel most keenly the wrong he has done. 21. Be not overcome by evil. Don't let the fact that you are treated wickedly induce you to do wrong, but overcome evil by returning good for evil. This sums up the whole matter respecting the treatment of adversaries. Happy would it be if the Christian world could come up to these requirements! The logic of kind deeds is more powerful than the logic of argument.