All I Really Need to Know I learned in… Romans 12.9-21

Is it possible to live simply in the 21^st century?  And would you, if you could?  The whole notion of living simply I find quite appealing, which is why I am sure Robert Fulghum’s poem warms my heart.  ‘All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten…  Share everything.  Play fair.  Don’t hit people.  Put things back where you found them.  Clean up your own mess.  Don’t take things that aren’t yours.  Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.  Wash your hands before you eat.  Flush.  Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.  Live a balanced life—learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some.  Take a nap every afternoon.  When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.  Be aware of wonder.’

I wonder . . . do you think that Fulghum got his style, and even some of his content, from the apostle Paul?  Paul moves from encouraging believers to use their spiritual gifts to build the community to talking concretely about getting along relationally.  Take a look:

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.  Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; 
I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
 If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
   In doing this, you will heap
 burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  Romans 12.9-21

Paul’s exhortations on living life are so simple—so straightforward.  They were good in first century Rome, and good for the 21^st believer, no matter one’s culture, education, or gender. 

I like the way Paul addresses ‘pay backs’…repaying someone who has hurt you.  ‘Don’t!’

Rather than extrapolate on what is already great writing, and needs no historical context, please then consider the same passage from “The Message”:

Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.  Romans 12.9-21, The Message

Christine

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