Romans 12

The chapters in Romans 12-15 have been called the "Sermon on the Mount of the Epistles." There are about 50 beautiful commandments in these chapters. In chapter 12, we are told to live a life of purity as a sacrifice to the Lord or be in the world but not of it, to view all callings or positions as equally important, to not think of ourselves more highly than others. We should love sincerely, without hypocrisy, and be patient in tribulation. Verses 14 and 15 sound like he is quoting the Sermon on the Mount. He counsels us to be equal in how we treat people and associate with people from all walks of life, rich or humble. We should live peaceably and not seek revenge but leave that to the Lord.

In verse 2, he tells us that we should prove that which is good. How important it is in today's world to be able to recognize the difference between truth and falsehood. It's so easy to assume something is true, especially if we hear it from a source we trust. But the Lord expects us to test all things and by the power of the Spirit, find not only the difference between truth and error, but see things from His perspective. This enables us to keep ourselves above fray, to stand outside all the bickering of the world.