As Christians, or church goers, we all know that murder, stealing, adultery and drunkenness are sins. For the most part we try to avoid those things and we do avoid those things. But not everyone does and we ought to pray for those who do not or can not avoid them.
One of the scariest verses in the Bible is Rev 3:16, “So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” I write about that here: https://godsbygrace.com/2025/03/15/holyspirit/ , Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed.
On that same note, the most difficult verse for me to digest, perhaps the most painful verse I have read is this one: 1 Cor 5:11 “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” Why do I call this verse difficult and painful? Because I have friends, whom I love, and who frequently engage in such activities and I am told not to associate with them, not even to dine with them.
It is not my goal to write about these sins today nor elaborate upon them but to bring to our attention much more frequent and common sins that we are all guilty of. The sins of not loving others and not demonstrating love to others. I have come to realize that as Christians, every action we take regarding other people ought to be a reflection of God’s love.
John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.“
Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another”
Furthermore every word we speak in our interactions with other people ought to be a reflection of God’s love. I know I have not been great at either one of these things with many people, and if I’m being honest, probably most people I deal with. Therefore the number of my sins is exceedingly great. Not just my words and actions but many of my thoughts as well. More so than I can possibly count.
And if we are all being honest with ourselves, this is true of not just me but everyone who is reading this albeit, some more than others. I’ve heard it said, “It costs nothing to be nice to people.” Being nice to people is a reflection of God’s love. When driving, let others merge in. When out running errands around town, hold the door for other people. When someone cuts you off in traffic say a blessing over them. All too often I curse them, but we are told to Bless and do not curse.
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
A couple of months ago, I heard one preacher say I am not saying these things to you, or for your benefit, I am preaching to myself and you just have the pleasure of listening in. These things that I write are not directed to anyone or at anyone I know or deal with. These are what I am learning, and I am writing this mostly to myself.
Below is the entire 12th Chapter of Romans. I believe I should start off each day by reading this until it is reflected 100% in my character and my dealings with everyone I meet.
Romans Chapter 12
Living Sacrifices to God
12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Serve God with Spiritual Gifts
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
As always, please keep me in your prayers and please join me in praying for the Holy Spirit to come and convict us of sin and righteousness both individually and as a nation. Thank you and Peace be with you always!
Gods By Grace 
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