Immerse: Messiah - Flipbook - Page 209
12:13–13:9
R o ma n s
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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.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes
from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by
God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God
has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike
fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong.
Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right,
and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your
good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they
have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very
purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to
them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers
need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone
what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who
collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.
If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must
