Romans 12: 10-18

This passage has really spoken to me lately. For me it's easy to rejoice or mourn with my earthly family, because it just comes naturally, but what about others who are my brothers and sisters in Christ? I mean I can show enthusiasium if something wonderful happens and I can display sympathy, but how far does it go? I think I don't really display the kind of love and attention to my Christian family that this passage talks about. Do I stop to praise the Lord with a friend when he gets a promotion at work or when my brother in Christ catches a really nice fish? And I don't stop and really listen and pray when he's just had a bad day or something goes wrong at work. I think this passage encourages us to be always thinking of our family in Christ. More importantly I think of our spiritual life, I never even care to find out what is going on spiritually in his life, let alone helping my brother through it. I guess I'm scared to ask because it means showing emotion to my friend and beyond that it could lead to a breaking down of my own defenses. But I guess that is what growth is all about. No pain, no gain.

10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

11not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

12rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

16Be 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.

17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.