Now that we know what our obligation is (to offer ourselves as living sacrifices…), we need to know what that means.So Paul says, “I’m glad you asked.”
First it means to humbly use the gifts God has given you in His service (12:5-8)
Secondly, it means to love, not some false, emotional feeling, but love put into action.
The Verses
9-10. Love must be real and aimed at actions of love toward one another.
11-13 Love with energy, service, joy, hope, patience, faithfulness and hospitality.
14-16 Remember that Jesus said, “Love your enemies…” (Matthew 5:44ff). Here, Paul tells us what actions will demonstrate that love: when you are persecuted, make your persecutors happy (that’s what “bless” means). Exercise empathy with others’ plights. Don’t be proud or conceited.
17-18 Don’t play the “get even” game – that’s not love but strive to do what is right. Don’t get mixed up here. He’s not talking about doing what other people think is right, he is talking about do right, no matter what others think.
19 Revenge may seem satisfying for a season, but in the end, it only makes you bitter and hopeless. (The bird in the picture above has gotten revenge on the cat.)
20. Here Paul is quoting Proverbs 25:21 –22 and Luke 27ff.
You will notice, I hope, that being a living sacrifice is not easy. It goes against the “eye-for-an-eye-tooth-for-a-tooth” attitude of the world (as well as the old Jewish system).
In Chapter 13, Paul will continue to reveal to us what it means to “offer ourselves as living sacrifices,” which, of course, is all a part of “dying to self.
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