Romans 12:9-21 (English Standard Version)
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[g] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
It has been 22 years since the events of 9/11. The deadliest terror attacks on U.S. soil happened On September 11, 2001. My children and their friends do not know much about it because they were not yet born and have only experienced bits by what they have been told/taught and in videos. If I ask anyone else, though, they will most likely remember where they were and how they felt.
When reading the verses of Romans 12 (above), my hard feelings from that original day must change. My thoughts of fear and revenge have changed. God tells us that vengeance is His, not ours. I must put aside my thoughts and obey God. He tells us to “overcome evil with good”, so that is what I must do. On this Day of Remembrance, I can pray for those who were left behind in the aftermath. I can love others as how God wants me to love them. I can pray to God that He will give me the wisdom and strength to do things I cannot do on my own.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me another day to show others your Love through your Son.
Comments