Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. – Romans 12:9
In 1948, during a walk in the woods, Swiss engineer George De Mestral got the idea for Velcro when cockleburs clung to his clothing and his dog’s fur. Cockleburs, with their hooks, stick tenaciously to anything fibrous.
Romans 12 describes a practical Christian life based in faith. It is one who abhors evil and clings to what is good. A life lived as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) includes worshiping God by the way you treat other people. You rejoice when good comes to your brother and sister in Christ, not bogged down by envy (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
In today’s society, it is important to develop a deeper love for God by praying, reading the Bible, fellowshiping with those in the faith, and helping others. It is easy for affections to be sidetracked by television, social media, and materialism. When watching today’s shows or scrolling through social media, the line between what is good and what is evil may begin to blur. It is necessary to cling to what is good as stubbornly as cockleburs cling to clothes and fur.
Romans 12 describes how a believer should live. Set your heart and mind to glorify God through the way you treat others. Pray for the governing officials and citizens of this country, desiring what is best for them. Intercede, with compassion, for the souls who are obviously living far from God. Ask the Lord to empower those who seek to worship Him in all that they do.
Today’s Verse: Romans 12:9
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
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. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
