Cling To What Is Good – Romans 12:9
As human beings, we often find ourselves struggling to discern between what is good and what is evil in the world around us.
In the midst of chaos and confusion, it can be difficult to hold onto that which is true, noble, and righteous. Yet, as Christians, we are called to cling to what is good, as Paul writes in Romans 12:9.
But what does it truly mean to cling to what is good? How can we live out this calling in our daily lives? In this article, we will explore the powerful message of Romans 12:9-21 and delve into practical ways to apply it in our journey of faith.
See also: Do Not Grow Weary In Doing Good – Galatians 6:9
Understanding the Foundation of Romans
The first half of the letter to the Romans talks about what God did to save us. Paul wrote that all people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23-24), and as a result, we deserve God’s punishment. However, Jesus paid the price and gave his life to save us, so we are saved freely without any cost to us.
Living as God’s People
Paul focuses on how to live as God’s people. Romans 12:1 points us to the heart of what it means to live as God’s people. Paul used the short phrase, “in view of God’s mercy,” to remind us that living as God’s people is only possible because he showed us mercy by choosing to love us even when we had done nothing to deserve it.
What Does It Mean To Cling to What is Good?
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good, as mentioned in Romans 12:9, means to hold onto and prioritize things that align with God’s will and character. It means to actively seek out and pursue goodness, while also rejecting and avoiding evil.
Clinging to what is good involves living a life of sincerity, love, and selflessness, while also being passionate in our pursuit of God and patient in the face of trials and afflictions.
Essentially, it means committing ourselves to a way of life that is characterized by righteousness, purity, and goodness, as opposed to one that is marked by sin, selfishness, and evil.
How Do We Cling To What Is Good?
Romans 12:9-21 provides a roadmap for how to cling to what is good. It emphasizes the importance of sincere love, hatred of evil, devotion to one another, and a joyful hope in God.
1. Love Sincerely (Romans 12:9)
The passage begins by calling us to love sincerely. This means that we should love without hypocrisy or ulterior motives. Our love should be genuine and heartfelt, with no hidden agendas.
2. Hate What is Evil (Romans 12:9)
In addition to loving sincerely, we are called to hate what is evil. We are taught to have a deep revulsion for sin and everything that is contrary to God’s will. We should not tolerate evil or turn a blind eye to it.
3. Be Devoted to One Another (Romans 12:10)
We are called to be devoted to one another in love. This means that we should prioritize the needs of others above our own. We should be selfless, putting the needs of others first.
4. Honor One Another Above Yourselves (Romans 12:10)
In addition to being devoted to one another, we are called to honor one another above ourselves. This means that we should give preference to others and show them respect. We should not seek to elevate ourselves at the expense of others.
5. Never Be Lacking in Zeal (Romans 12:11)
We are called to be passionate in our pursuit of God. This means that we should not be lazy or apathetic in our spiritual lives. We should be fervent in our devotion to God and in our service to others.
6. Be Joyful in Hope (Romans 12:12)
We are called to be joyful in hope. This means that we should have confidence in God’s promises and be optimistic about the future. We should not be discouraged by the trials and challenges of life, but rather look forward to the blessings that God has in store for us.
7. Patient in Affliction (Romans 12:12)
In addition to being joyful in hope, we are called to be patient in affliction. This means that we should endure suffering and hardship without losing hope. We should trust in God’s faithfulness and rely on his strength to carry us through difficult times.
8. Faithful in Prayer (Romans 12:12)
We are called to be faithful in prayer. This means that we should make prayer a regular part of our lives and seek God’s guidance in all that we do. We should pray for ourselves, for others, and for the world around us, trusting that God hears our prayers and answers them according to his will.
9. Share with the Lord’s People in Need (Romans 12:13)
We are called to share with the Lord’s people in need. This means that we should be generous and compassionate towards those who are less fortunate than us. We should be willing to give of our time, resources, and energy to help those in need, recognizing that everything we have comes from God.
10. Practice Hospitality (Romans 12:13)
In addition to sharing with those in need, we are called to practice hospitality. This means that we should be welcoming and hospitable to others, especially to those who are different from us. We should seek to create an environment of warmth and kindness, where people feel loved and accepted.
11. Bless Those who Persecute You (Romans 12:14)
We are called to bless those who persecute us. This means that we should not retaliate or seek revenge against those who wrong us, but rather respond with love and kindness. We should pray for those who persecute us and seek to show them the same grace and forgiveness that God has shown us.
12. Rejoice with Those who Rejoice (Romans 12:15)
We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice. This means that we should celebrate the joys and successes of others, rather than being jealous or envious. We should be genuinely happy for others and seek to share in their happiness.
13. Mourn with Those who Mourn (Romans 12:15)
In addition to rejoicing with those who rejoice, we are called to mourn with those who mourn. This means that we should empathize with those who are suffering and show them compassion. We should be willing to listen, to comfort, and to support those who are going through difficult times.
14. Live in Harmony with One Another (Romans 12:16)
We are called to live in harmony with one another. This means that we should seek to live in peace with those around us, avoiding conflict and promoting unity. We should be humble and willing to compromise, recognizing that we are all part of the same body of Christ.
15. Do Not Be Overcome by Evil (Romans 12:21)
Finally, the passage reminds us not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. This means that we should not allow the evil around us to defeat us, but rather respond with love and kindness. We should seek to be a positive influence in the world, spreading the love of Christ wherever we go.
10 Cling To What Is Good Bible Verses For Further Study
- Romans 12:9 – “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
- Psalm 34:14 – “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 – “But test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
- Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- 2 Timothy 2:22 – “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
- 1 Peter 3:11 – “They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
10 Cling To What Is Good Quotes
- “Hold tight to what is good, even if it’s a handful of earth.”
- “Choose to focus on the good and let go of the bad. Cling to what makes you happy.”
- “When everything else is shaking, hold on to what is good and true.”
- “Cling to the goodness that is already within you, and let it spread to others.”
- “Don’t let the darkness of the world extinguish the light that you carry within. Cling to what is good.”
- “Life is full of ups and downs, but when you cling to what is good, it can help you weather any storm.”
- “In a world that often seems to celebrate negativity, let us choose to cling to what is good.”
- “Cling to what is good, and let go of what is toxic to your soul.”
- “Goodness is a choice. Choose to cling to it, and watch it transform your life.”
- “Cling to what is good, for it is the foundation upon which a meaningful life is built.”
