Daily Meditation: February 13, 2020

by Sherman Boughton on February 13, 2020

"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

-Romans 12:9-21


This passage from Paul's letter to the Romans has been described as containing the "Marks of the True Christian." Paul's exhortations in this scripture can be a tall order, but its seems to me that all of them spring from charity and love. He defines Christian charity as sincerity, hatred of evil, study of good things, affection for our neighbors, and whose final goal is the glory of God. I am particularly struck by the emphasis in verse thirteen on extending hospitality to strangers. And here I feel it appropriate to make a plug for Invite*Welcome*Connect, Trinity's new ministry of those who are called to share God's love and to welcome other parishioners to grow closer in their relationship with God. It is about hospitality and building relationships among each other. Initially, (and why Paul's exhortation that we extend hospitality to strangers is so timely) the ministry of Invite*Welcome*Connect will be done by ensuring warm welcomes for all who cross our threshold and a coffee hour that will be intentionally engaged in providing information and connection as well as fellowship. The IWC teams are being formed right now, and I would encourage you to join one. It should be our desire that no one ever leave Trinity Church without having been shown hospitality by our members.

"Lord, we know that when we show love to one another, we are expressing our love for you.  Help me to be more loving today. Amen."