A Text for the New Year

The Rev. Dr. Skip Ferguson
Manassas Presbyterian Church
Manassas, Virginia
January 1, 2012

Romans 12:9-17, (NRSV)

Let love be genuine;

hate what is evil,

hold fast to what is good;

love one another with mutual affection;

outdo one another in showing honor.

Do not lag in zeal,

be ardent in spirit,

serve the Lord.

Rejoice in hope,

be patient in suffering,

persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the saints;

extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you;

bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with one another;

do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;

do not claim to be wiser than you are.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil,

but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.

Romans 12:9-17 (The Message)

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.

        

AMEN