Romans 12:9-13 In the first part of this chapter Paul tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. He's telling us that the way we think about God, people, and things must be completely changed. The world's pattern is not acceptable. God and His Word become the standard. He continues by telling us that we each have unique gifts or abilities to do the things that He has called us to do, and these gifts need to be developed. It is very easy to stop at this point and just gloat about who is the "grandest tiger in the jungle." We often forget that these gifts are set in the context of and work them selves out in the midst of our relationships with one another. That's why Paul, in verses nine and following, gives us some guidelines. 1. Love must be sincere. 2. Hate what is evil; 3, cling to (or be glued to) what is good. 4. Be devoted to one an other in brotherly love. 5. Honor one another above yourselves. 6. Never be lacking in zeal, 7. keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 8. Be joyful in hope, 9. Patient in affliction, 10. faithful in prayer. 11. Share with God's people who are in need. 12. Practice hospitality. As we seek to implement these traits through prayer and practice, we will soon discover that the package works. At the same time, we are striving to see that someone else's needs are met, our own are also being cared for.

Recipe for Unity