Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Devotion based on Romans 12:14-19

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Being different can be difficult. When a classmate trips and falls, do you join in laughing with everyone else? It is much easier to just go with the flow and fall in line, isn’t it? In our reading for today, God calls us to be radically different from the rest of the world. He guides us to be children of light in contrast to a world of darkness.

Here’s an example. The world says, “Don’t be a loser. Winning is the only thing that matters.” To get ahead, the world says it’s okay to talk down about others in order to make you look better. A person is considered a pushover if they don’t try to get ahead at the expense of someone else.

What a contrast God’s Word gives us! God directs us to bless those who hurt us. To be humble and to live in peace and harmony with one another. Not just with those who are our friends but especially with our enemies. To leave revenge in God’s hands and to avoid repaying evil with evil. God urges us to be different.

Here’s a question for you: How can we act in the way God wants us to when it is so hard? Is it by digging deep inside of ourselves? Think about how the sun and moon work together. The moon does not produce its own light source. Rather it reflects the light from the sun. In the same way, we reflect the faith the Holy Spirit works in our hearts so that now we reflect the love of Jesus out into the world. To both friendly and not-so-friendly people alike.

Why does God want us to be different? It is our way to show our gratitude and thanks to God for all he has done for us. As we live lives full of grace, forgiveness, and humility, it might lead those who hate us to ask why we live that way. Then you can tell them how God has transformed your life in Jesus!

Young Christians, be different! Let your light shine!

Holy Spirit, we thank you for working faith in our hearts and leading us to live God-pleasing lives. Help us to be nice to others even when they are unkind to us. May we not only be kind in our actions, but may we use our words to tell others about their Savior. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above