Romans 12:9-13

Scripture Verse

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Transformed living

There are many books and passages in the Bible that challenge our understanding, which is why God has graciously given us pastors, Bible teachers, commentaries, and most importantly, the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Yet the verses in today’s devotional speak with such clarity that the meaning is not difficult to grasp. The real challenge lies not in understanding them – but in living them out.

When we look at these exhortations from a purely human standpoint, relying on our own strength, they may seem impossible. But God never commands what He has not already empowered us to walk in. These instructions reflect His righteousness, and He equips His children to live the transformed life He desires.

To walk in this newness of life, we must grasp what God has done within us through Christ. Paul lays this foundation in Romans 1–8, first showing us our condition apart from God – the “old man,” the sinful nature:

• We have all sinned and fallen short of His glory.
• We lived under the dominion of Satan, bound and captive.
• We were spiritually dead and helpless in sin.
• Our minds were darkened, making us enemies of God and unable to obey Him.
• We were separated from God and from His promises.

But then Paul lifts our eyes to the glorious work Christ has accomplished. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we have been made new. The old man has been crucified with Christ. As believers, we stand forgiven, declared righteous, adopted into God’s family, filled with His love, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. His grace enables us to walk in the newness of life.

This is the pattern Paul repeats throughout his letters—Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians: our former condemnation/bondage (guilt), Christ’s redeeming work (grace), and our Spirit-empowered response (gratitude). We are God’s workmanship – His masterpiece, created anew for the good works He purposefully prepared for us in advance. What was impossible for our old nature becomes the desire of the new creation. God not only empowers us, but He fills us with His love, stirring gratitude and igniting a desire to walk in Christlikeness.

To live the transformed life and practice the virtues highlighted in today’s Scripture -love, joy, goodness, humility, selflessness, Spirit-born zeal, perseverance, generosity, and hospitality—we must first understand who we are in Christ. Paul invites us to know and consciously embrace this new nature, created in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10).

This transformation unfolds as we abide in God’s Word, enjoy close fellowship with Him through the Holy Spirit, and renew our minds with His truth (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:23). It is not an instant change, but a lifelong journey of sanctification – a continuing work of the Holy Spirit where we are shaped into the image of Christ.

During this Lenten season, may we reflect on these precious truths and let us lift our prayers in gratitude and praise for God’s glorious work of salvation accomplished for us in Christ.