Paul has been describing ”the Christian” the followers of Christ all through chapter 12 of Romans.
First He says we must be a living sacrifice, then He describes how we should interact with other Christians, but from verse 9, he starts to instruct how we are supposed to interact with unbelievers.
(Technically it’s not unbelievers, but any interactions where God’s Truths may not be practiced or understood in full.)
This is Paul’s list:
Love must be sincere – Love the person in front of you 100% … No reserve. Think about that before you go on…
Hate what is evil – Specifically, their deeds… _NOT_ the people! God hated the sins in your life, but it didn’t stop Him from providing the ultimate sacrifice. He did it in love, loving you… and definitely not while loathing you as a sinner!
Cling to what is good – Search out all the goodness God sees in them. God has a reason He wants them saved also! And sacrificed for them also!
Be devoted to one another in love – Devoted means commitment. Be committed in the love you have for the person. Do not let it turn to hate or loathing.
Never be lacking in Zeal. Keep your Spiritual fervor, serving the Lord – Keep your energy up, Focus on God. He was the reason, is the reason and will remain the reason!
Be joyful in hope – Never lose Faith in what is is capable of through your action today… whether you know it or not
Be Patient in Affliction – Your shortcomings or the things unbelievers do that make you want to hit them with a shovel. It’s actually the same thing. Paul says: It’s not worth it… God will use a broken anything dedicated to Him!
Faithful in Prayer – Keep in conversation with God.
So whether an unbeliever or a new believer, or even an old believer that is learning the ways of Christ… Paul is asking us to be an example of Love in action, based on the Life of Christ.
Share with the Lord’s People – Jesus died for all. Believers and Unbelievers alike belong to the Lord.
Practice Hospitality – In the last few years, I realised that there is little gratitude in hospitality. You serve… You give… sometimes there is a thank you. Most often there is not.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
(Romans 12:9–13 NIV)
So I thought…
I wonder if I can rewrite Paul’s instructions for the workplace?
A. Be sincere with everyone. Every Client and Every Team Member
B. Don’t make light of indiscretions, Do not ignore them, but handle with grace and respect. (I suffered from the same, after all!)
C. Love the person in front of you 100% (Reardless of B. )
D. Keep your energy up, and look for every opportunity to Praise God! (and maybe also testify of His Greatness and provision!)
E. Remain optimistic and hopeful that my actions, however stumbling or small, will cause change.
F. Be patient with Sin. You do not know the battle that may be raging in a life. Refer to point C. Help them fight, Don’t fight with them about it.
G. Pray for every person that cross your path.
H. Give like you have plenty. Give from your own storehouse!
(Don’t give stock away that belongs to the shop. The blessing will go to the shop, not to you!)
I would love to hear your take on our Christian walk in the workplace!
Be absolutely blessed today!
