Sometimes you hear a song, a poem, or a story and you just can’t shake it. It sticks with you. It creeps into your mind at the oddest of times. There are times when this is awesome because the song, poem, or story is incredible. There are other times when this is a horrible occurence because the song, poem, or story is awful (kind of like that Kris Allen song, “Live Like We’re Dying”…of course, that’s up for debate because some of you might like that song…it just annoys me).

Yesterday, I heard a passage of Scripture and it rocked me. The first reading just floored me…it encouraged me…it challenged me…it renewed my spirit. And, ever since the first reading, I just can’t shake it.

Here it is: 

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. (Romans 12:9-21, The Message)

There’s a lot of good stuff in that passage. Read it several times…slowly. What is it saying to you?