Living as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12)

Evening Scripture

Romans 12

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

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

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Evening Reflection

As today’s sun surrendered to the moon, may we hold fast to the challenge in Romans 12 and surrender our hearts to Jesus, confessing both our need for rest and His love as the only true source of unquenchable light. Though the world gives us reason to keep pushing, keep pursuing productivity, late into the night, may we block out the blue light and white noise so our senses are attuned only to Jesus’ voice. After all, it is only then that we can receive His transformative power and good, perfect will for our lives.

Let’s consider the state of our hearts. Are they humble in pursuit of God’s plan, softened to receive others into the journey God has designed? As flowers close their blooms in tandem with the moon hanging in the sky, let’s remember that we all have a part to play, and in light of Christ’s grace, not one part is better than the other. No part is higher or lower than another.

May we ask God to grant us hearts to encourage and champion others, looking to Him for our purpose, not to the paths of other believers. May we allow our love for Him to guide our thoughts and actions as we live lives that say, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10, KJV).

Evening Prayer

Father,
As we reflect on the tiny kingdoms we built for ourselves today, may we surrender them to a holy graveyard, where death to self is life in you, Christ. Whether we have chosen sin over righteousness or self over others, may we confess these faults and look to your new mercies and grace that away us each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). Let us be quick to pursue peace, striving for harmony. Let us be slow to seek revenge, allowing your grace that covered us to cover those who have wronged us. In surrendering our hearts to you tonight, may our days be filled with hands that extend to the poor, hungry, thirsty, and broken. May we see past the surface, what man tries to hide, and see with your eyes of wisdom and compassion. Even when we are surrounded by our enemies, may we be your beacons of hope, leaving vengeance and justice in your merciful hands. We love and praise you, Lord, for your light that pierces the night and speaks to our weary hearts. We thank you for the honor of living our lives as living sacrifices for your glory. Forever,
Amen.

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