Romans 12

"Do to others as you would have them do to you… love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6: 31,35-37)

Maxims

Let your flesh be an offering
Of sanctity unto the Lord;
Renew your mind, not conforming
To this age - in Him be restored.

Strive to discern what is God's will --
What conforms to His plan of grace;
In faith, serve Him with all your skill,
According to your role and place.

Though many, we are one body
In Christ; in Him each has a part.
Preserve your soul in sanctity;
Love one another from the heart.

In hope, rejoice; trials endure;
With fervor, in prayer, persevere.
From hearts outpoured, embrace the poor;
In the lowly, the Lord draws near.

Strive to love those who have harmed you;
On your part, be at peace with all.
With love as your defense, subdue
Evil - hold fast and fell the wall.

This is the power of the cross:
He is our gain when all seems loss.


May charity towards all, particularly those who harm us, undergird and govern our hearts and minds.

(c) Paul Buis, 2005