Paul continues: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’  Rather, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.” (Rom 12:15-21)

What God gives us is the ideal towards which we are to strive as we seek his will and seek to transform our ingrained attitudes and behaviors by the renewal of our mind according to his plan. None of this takes place over night. None of this occurs without inner and outer struggles. None of this takes place without responding to the grace of God, freely given to us. None of this happens unless we are truly in love with God. (To be continued)