September 6th, 2026 - Very Practical and Very Challenging

Scripture Passage: Romans 12:9-21

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Very Practical and Very Challenging
3 weddings and a funeral

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No Faking It
9 Love must be sincere.

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The Journey
 from: Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
to: 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Step 1: Focus on others first
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

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Step 1b: Empathy with others
 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another.

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Step 2. Engage your energy
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.

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Step 3: Be Generous
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

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Step 3b: Emotional Generosity

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

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Step 4: Be humble in character
Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

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Step 5-100: Dealing with evil
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

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This is intriguing
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.

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God's wrath / revenge in action
20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  ... In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

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Your mission: turn as much evil into good as you can.
In you: receive forgiveness
For others: forgive, restore

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We can, because God already did.