Romans 12 is messing with me...

Recently, I was listening to a CD and heard someone reading the familiar words of Romans 12 in a fresh unfamiliar language. I am not sure what the translation was, but it struck me to the core. The Holy Spirit used this fresh language to help the words jump off the page and into my mind for the day.
I had to stop the CD, rewind it and listen to these phrases again. (I've bolded some of the language that was riveting).

"...have profound respect for each other...(v. 10b)

"...work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit..." (v. 11).

"...bless those who persecute you. Never curse them. Bless them." (v, 14).

"...Treat everyone with equal kindness...Never be condescending." (v. 16).

"Make real friends with the poor..." (v. 16).

Each one of these phrases could be pondered for weeks.
I'm grateful that Scripture has successfully messed with me.

Comments

[Tim Miekley]

Here's one that has messed with me for a long while:

1 Corinthians 13:5 (speaking about love), the passage states, "it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." Here's the issue: See the third part "it is not easily angered"? Right - the word "easily" is not in the Greek manuscripts. it should say, "it is not angered." The word "easily" is has been added by its translators for "stylistic reason." That puts a little spin on how we should love others in the Church eh? Totally wild man...

[Kevin]

We're studying "Love and Respect" at my small group and the Romans 12:10b verse is a great reminder. A nice companion verse is Ephesians 5:33.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205:33;&version=31;