Sunday on Monday - September 14th, 2026
Romans 12 gives us a picture of what life looks like when the gospel begins to shape our everyday relationships.
Paul tells us to bless those who persecute us, rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, pursue peace, refuse revenge, and even care for our enemies. None of that comes naturally. Our instinct is often to protect ourselves, fight back, withdraw, or make sure someone gets what we think they deserve.
So how can we respond in such unnatural ways?
Paul has spent eleven chapters explaining the mercy and grace we have received in Christ. Gospel-shaped living grows out of that mercy.
But Paul has also been clear that this new life involves intentional choices. In verses 1–2, he tells believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice. That is a conscious decision. He also warns us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That, too, involves choices we make again and again throughout the day.
The question for us is: What is shaping the way I see other people?
If we continually feed on anger, outrage, division, and resentment, those things will eventually shape what comes out of us. But when we keep returning to the mercy of God, the Spirit reshapes our reactions.
Someone else’s evil does not have to determine what comes out of you.
This week, pay attention to the person God has placed right in front of you-the difficult coworker, neighbor, family member, or even someone who has hurt you. Ask God to help you respond in a way shaped by His mercy.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
