God’s pattern for his people!

In Romans 12 Paul reminded the church not to be conformed or fashioned by the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of the mind. (Rom.12:2). God’s people are to be molded or conformed by God’s pattern and not the world’s pattern.

In verses 9-21 we find a list of deeds which reflect God’s standard for his people.
-Love must be sincere. (don’t love hypocritically)
-Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
-Devote yourselves to one another in brotherly love. (v.10)
-Honor one another above yourselves.
-Don’t be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor as you serve the Lord (v.11)
-Be joyful in hope (v.12)
-Be patient in affliction
-Be faithful in prayer.
-Share with those in need. (v.13)
-Practice hospitality
-Bless those who persecute you (bless and do not curse). (v.14)
-Rejoice with those who rejoice. (v.15)
-Mourn with those who mourn.
-Live in harmony with one another. (v.16)
-Do not be proud, but willing to associate with the lowly.
-Never be wise in your own sight. (don’t be conceited)
-Do not repay anyone evil for evil. (v.17)
-Do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
-If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (v.18)
-Do not avenge, leave room for God’s wrath (v.19)
-Feed your enemy if he’s hungry. (v.20)
-Give your enemy something to drink if he’s thirsty.
-Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

Of all these, which ones are difficult for you? Which ones do you need to ask God to help you with?
God is calling his people to a different standard of living. We must be conformed to the attitude of Jesus. God’s people must reflect the character of Jesus.