A Christian Should ........

Please feel free to use this article for your newsletter,
ezine, or web site, in its entirety including the resource box.
Please notify me of publication by sending a website link or a copy
of your ezine when published mailto:scrawford@whatismyname.com.
Thank you!

A Christian Should…….
By Stanley T. Crawford

As Christians we should treat each other according to the guidelines
established by God. God has defined guidelines for our behavior
with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In addition, God has
defined how we should treat the non-Christian. In some cases the
guidelines are the same for our behavior towards the Christian and
non-Christian. In other cases there are unique behaviors that we
should display toward the Christian and the non-Christian. A look at
Romans 12:9 – 21 sheds light on this issue. In this passage,
Paul defines some of the desired behaviors for Christians in our
interactions with Christians and non-Christians.

Paul begins by pointing out that the love that we demonstrate should
be real (Romans12:9). Paul proceeds to point out that our focus
should be on the good and not evil. When people say terrible things
about us we shouldn’t do the same to them. We should instead
bless them (Romans 12:14). Implementing this behavior is a challenge
in some situations. At times, our emotional state toward our
antagonist makes it difficult to bless and not curse. Yet, we must
try to remember that God knows best even over our perceptions.
(Proverbs 3:5 & 6)

Also, we should show compassion and empathy (Romans 12:15). We
should apply this behavior with the Christian and non-Christian.
Showing compassion or empathy does not mean that we are to adopt
behaviors that aren’t Christ like.

In addition, Paul tells us that we should live peaceably with all
men, if possible, and when it is in our power to do so (Romans
12:18). There are times when it is indeed within our power to
promote peace. For instance, when we are in a heated discussion our
choice of words becomes very important. Our choice of words to
convey our message can fall between the range of inflammatory to
conciliatory. The Bible provides food for thought in this area.
Consider, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs
up anger (Proverbs 15:1).” So we should ask ourselves, “Are
we trying to live peaceably?” There are times when the answer
will be “yes” and times when the answer will be “no.”


When others hurt us, we are exhorted not to take revenge. God has
reserved revenge for himself (Romans12:19). If you ever sit down and
think about this, who can better render justice then an omnipotent
being, God. God tells us that, if our enemy has a need that we can
meet, then meet that need. In meeting our enemy’s need we
“heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:30). These are
very powerful words; these words let us know that God will handle
things in his time. We have merely to allow God to be God. From
this, we can draw the conclusion that God cares for his children.

Copyright 2002, Stanley T. Crawford, is the editor of, “People of
the Bible,” and webmaster of http://www.whatismyname.com. All
Rights Reserved. mailto:scrawford@whatismyname.com