Scripture journaling
Romans 12:9-21
Many people come back to Romans 12:9-21 when someone has hurt them. These verses are full of short, plain instructions: love without pretending, weep with people who are weeping, bless instead of curse, leave revenge alone. Read slowly, each line can feel like a small mirror held up to your ordinary days, your conversations, your grudges, your kitchen table.
The passage does not pretend peace is always easy. It says "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men," which leaves room for the parts that are not up to you. Journaling with these verses can help you notice where you are holding on to an old hurt and bring it to God honestly, at whatever pace you need. You do not have to feel finished with forgiveness to begin writing about it.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another;
11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Reflection prompts
-
Verse 9 begins, "Let love be without hypocrisy." Think of one relationship where your kindness has felt more like a performance than love lately. What would honest love look like there this week?
-
Verse 14 says, "Bless those who persecute you." If it feels safe, think of someone who has hurt you and write a short prayer asking for good for them. Then write a few lines about what it was like to pray it.
-
Verse 15 asks you to "Weep with those who weep." Who in your life is carrying something heavy right now? Write about how you might stay close to them without trying to fix it.
-
Verse 17 says, "Repay no one evil for evil." Recall a time you wanted to get even, maybe with a sharp word, a cold silence or a story you told about someone. What did you do, and what do you wish you had done?
-
Verse 18 includes the words "as much as it is up to you." Choose one strained relationship and make two lists: the parts that are up to you and the parts that are not. Write a prayer handing the second list to God.
-
Verse 19 asks you not to seek revenge yourselves. What would it mean to set down a grudge you have been carrying, even if the other person never apologizes? Tell God honestly what makes that hard.
-
Verse 20 talks about giving food and drink to an enemy. Is there a small, practical kindness you could offer someone you find difficult? Describe it as concretely as you can, down to when and where.
-
Verse 21 ends with "overcome evil with good." Where do you feel worn down or overcome right now? Write about one ordinary good thing you could do tomorrow, and ask God for the strength to do it.