with them that weep--What a beautiful spirit of sympathy with the joys and sorrows of others is here inculcated! 15. But we prefer the former. But as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under a pretence of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others. 11. not slothful in business--The word rendered "business" means "zeal," "diligence," "purpose"; denoting the energy of action. (5) What God would have men to be, in all its beauty and grandeur, is for the first time really apprehended, when "written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tables of stone, but on the fleshy tables of the heart," 2 Corinthians 3:3 ( Romans 12:2 ). 13. given to hospitality--that is, the entertainment of strangers. (17-21). True Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of each other. Let love be without dissimulation--"Let your love be unfeigned" (as in 2 Corinthians 6:6 , 1 Peter 2:22 ; and see 1 John 3:18 ). Such then is the great general duty of the redeemed--SELF-CONSECRATION, in our whole spirit and soul and body to Him who hath called us into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. 9. God commanded us to do this, and He makes it possible for us to do it. he that giveth--in the exercise of private benevolence probably, rather than in the discharge of diaconal duty. And love to God and man, with zeal for the gospel, will make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business, and in gaining superior skill. He that has this rule over his spirit, is better than the mighty. What a world will ours be when this shall become its reigning spirit! 18. Rejoice with them that rejoice; and weep--the "and" should probably be omitted. Or ministry, let us wait on--"be occupied with." The doctrinal teaching of this Epistle is now followed up by a series of exhortations to practical duty. Salem Media Group. Romans 12:1-21 . and though Christianity has so changed the spirit of society, that a certain beautiful disinterestedness and self-sacrifice shines in the character of not a few who are but partially, if at all under the transforming power of the Gospel, it is only those whom "the love of Christ constrains to live not unto themselves," who are capable of thoroughly acting in the spirit of this precept. This is next taken up in detail. The word rendered "prefer" means rather "to go before," "take the lead," that is, "show an example." Another reading--"serving the time," or "the occasion"--which differs in form but very slightly from the received reading, has been adopted by good critics [LUTHER, OLSHAUSEN, FRITZSCHE, MEYER]. as much as lieth in you--or, "dependeth on you." serving the Lord--that is, the Lord Jesus (see Ephesians 6:5-8 ). Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. Recompense to no man evil for evil. he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness--not only without grudging either trouble or pecuniary relief, but feeling it to be "more blessed to give than to receive," and to help than be helped. It is acceptable to God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for, and which we understand. In the East, where such houses are still rare, this duty is regarded as of the most sacred character [HODGE]. The apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein he argues and proves various doctrines which are practically applied, here urges important duties from gospel principles. This is merely a strong way of characterizing all undue self-elevation. We shall never find in our hearts to condescend to others, while we indulge conceit of ourselves; therefore that must be mortified. In this view the presentation of ourselves, as living monuments of redeeming mercy, is here called "our rational service"; and surely it is the most rational and exalted occupation of God's reasonable creatures. But it is only one charming phase of the unselfish character which belongs to all living Christianity. The line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth. (Read Romans 12:9-16) The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and unmeaning and deceitful compliments. live peaceably--or, "be at peace." Or he that exhorteth--Since all preaching, whether by apostles, prophets, or teachers, was followed up by exhortation ( Acts 11:23 , 14:22 , 15:32 , &c.), many think that no specific class is here in view. Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. Compiled & Edited by BST & Crosswalk Staff, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information.
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