This is one of the most beautiful passages on relationships — Romans 9:12-21.Personally, I feel that it gives some of the best guidelines for healthy social development. If our children can internalize and practice the guidelines in this passage, they will be a blessing to the whole world and bring glory to Jesus Christ!
I spent some time explaining each concept to my kids. Reading through it again with them made me evaluate my own relationships with people. I have to improve in many ways! May this passage bless you as it blessed me and my kids…
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave croom for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21 NASB)
