The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 12:16-21, “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind,

but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Anyone who really knows me, knows that I am both stubborn and outspoken.

When I have studied something and have assessed it to be right, I will stand

–alone, if necessary—vigorously in its defense. I have read and taught Romans

numerous times, but the meaning of these verses in chapter 12 hit me solidly,

as I face the many menaces of world.

I have often said that Ellicott is my first read after the Scriptures. Here is his

assessment of our verses for today, appendaged only for brevity —an assessment,

I must confess, that has enlightened me and turned my previous thoughts in

another direction.

Vs. 16, Be not wise in your own conceits. “Humility is necessary to the Christian not only in his dealings with others, but also to keep his mind open and teachable. He sees his errors, and learns from them.”

Vs. 17, Provide things honest . . . “Let your purposes be such that all men shall recognize their complete integrity. Do not engage in enterprises of a doubtful character, that might bring not only yourselves but the Christian body into ill repute.”

Vs. 18, …be at peace with all men. “The Christian can only be responsible for himself. So far as he is concerned, he is to do his best to maintain peace.”

Vs. 19, Give place unto wrath. “It seems best to understand this of ‘the wrath of God.’ Stand aside yourself as a mere spectator, and let the wrath of God have free course to accomplish itself as He shall think well.”

Vs. 20, …in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. The phrase, ’coals of fire’ is used of the divine vengeance… it also may mean, “…awakening in the adversary the pangs of shame and remorse.”

Vs. 21, Be not overcome of evil… “The infliction of vengeance is not a sign of strength, but of weakness. To repress the desire for revenge is to gain a victory over self, which is not only nobler in itself, but will also be much more effectual. It will disarm the enemy, and turn him into a friend.”

How vital the Word is to our daily lives!

We love you immensely! We pray for you daily!

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”