As God has demonstrated His love toward us, we are called to love one another. Differences within the church can sometimes lead to division, but we should not judge one another over convictions that are not defined as sin, nor should we cause others to stumble through our freedoms. Instead, we must allow God to work in each heart, remembering that we all belong to Him.

As those who have received mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others. While it is necessary to guard Biblical truth, we should not force matters of personal conviction. Love calls us to be considerate of one another, remembering that we all belong to Him.

We are learning how to live in light of God’s great love. We should keep short accounts, staying quick to confess and reconcile. We are called to awaken from spiritual apathy and live with purpose. We are to put on Christ—our spiritual armor and light—and distance ourselves from every opportunity to sin.

In chapter 13, we are taught that it is through governing authorities that justice should be served. We are expected to live lives that are relevant as Christ Bearers under our constitutional republic. Therefore, if our government were to defy God we are to obey God while prioritizing our responsibility to the people of our country.

The Apostle Paul continues to exhort believers to become true followers of Christ. One becomes a disciple through steps of obedience—beginning with baptism and continuing by obeying all that He has taught. As we submit to this process and are led by the Spirit, we will see the power of God at work in our lives.

It is reasonable to expect that the life of a disciple should reflect the work that Christ has done in our hearts. As we examine Romans 12, we see the attributes that those who have been forgiven should aggressively pursue.

We are reminded that, in light of the grace God has shown, our responsibility toward one another is to be governed by the faith. We learn that we are to have a humble perspective about who we are and where our gifts have come from. Our spiritual resources are for the building of His kingdom.

Paul urges these Roman believers to respond rationally to God’s mercy. First, by offering themselves as His disciples—willing to die to themselves. Second, he calls them to pursue spiritual transformation. All believers can experience the power of their former lives being broken as they renew their minds through God’s Word.

By Him and through Him, the glorious mystery of reconciling Jew and Gentile to Himself will be completed. We must guard against unbelieving hearts and remember that the natural branches can be grafted back into the tree.