Commands in the Bible are especially important. In these pages we often discuss the commands spoken by God and Jesus. Today we encounter some of the commands of the Apostle Paul, and there will be many more of his imperatives in subsequent letters. Should the commands of Paul be on a par with God and Jesus? I would say yes, to the extent that none of his commands negate the Lord’s commands. The entire Bible is the Word of God, and it is fair to say that Paul was as close to perfect unity with God as anyone has ever been.
As has been my practice, I use bullets for this kind of list because I believe when the imperative verb of a command is listed first it gives more power to the whole commandment. Take your time and read these slowly, looking into the mirror of your soul:
- “Let love be genuine.
- Abhor what is evil;
- Hold fast to what is good.
- Love one another with brotherly affection.
- Outdo one another in showing honor.
- Do not be slothful in zeal,
- Be fervent in spirit,
- Serve the Lord.
- Rejoice in hope,
- Be patient in tribulation.
- Be constant in prayer.
- Contribute to the needs of the saints and
- Seek to show hospitality.
- 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.
- Never be wise in your own sight.
- Repay no one evil for evil,
- But give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
- If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
- Beloved, never avenge yourselves,
- But leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’
- To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him;
- If he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head.’
- Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:9-21).
As I typed this list, I was devastated because of an ongoing conflict with a brother in Christ throughout the past year. I have to confess that I have been able to obey very few of these 29 commands, and neither has my brother in Christ. This is perfect disunity, and I am ashamed.
Given the situation, it seems impossible, but we must reconcile, for all things are possible with Jesus.
If not, this will not get easier, because this conflict involves the Apostle Paul’s next topic – submission to governmental authorities – which has been even more divisive lately. We must reconcile.
So right here I will hold myself accountable to reconcile. Why should I have to be the one to take the initiative?
Because God says so if I want to be in perfect unity with him!
I will start with “Be constant in prayer.”