Romans 12:9 Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. 10 Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. 11 Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. 13 Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good. 18 If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. 19 Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written,
“Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’”[Romans 12:19 Deuteronomy 32:41]
20 On the contrary,
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For by doing this, you will heap
fiery coals [of shame] on his head.”[Romans 12:20 Proverbs 25:21–22]
21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
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One of my favorite words is a shameful emotion: Schadenfreude. It comes from German, meaning to take pleasure in someone else's misfortune. It starts early in life. After all, if your team can't win, at least the next best thing is to have your rival team lose. But schadenfreude is a shallow, empty joy--and worst of all it is often lonely, a joy snickered to yourself, laughing on the inside while conveying sympathy on the outside. Schadenfreude denies relationship, denies connection and fosters hatred.Best to listen to the Apostle Paul: rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Many times we think our loved ones need a solution--a happy face in times of trial, a strict word of forbearance in times of joy. Paul reminds us that what we need in Christian community is to share in emotions with our loved ones. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. No schadenfreude needed.
Lord Jesus, when I am tempted to take joy in my opponent's misfortune, remind me that joy is meant to be shared. What seems to be joy often brings only loneliness and heartache. Bind us together in our joy and our sorrow. Amen.
Angela Denker, '13
Pastor and Freelance Writer, Minneapolis, Minn.
Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;
10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
20 No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (New Revised Standard Version)
The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
Telephone: (651)641-3456
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