Friday Lectio: Romans 12:17-21

Today’s reading is from Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 12, verses 17 through 21 . As we listen, can I pay attention to what the Holy Spirit might want me to hear? Are there any words or phrases that catch my ear or my heart today? 17 Don’t pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can. 19 My dear friends, don’t try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, “I am the God who judges people. I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Do just the opposite. Scripture says, “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good. Our prayer this week borrows words from Psalm 86. The Psalms can give us good words that shape our hearts into places where patience can grow. They can show us how other people have waited and hoped in God. Will you pray with me? LORD, you are a God who is tender and kind. You are gracious. You are slow to get angry. You are faithful and full of love. Come to our aid, and have mercy on us. Show your strength by helping us. Prove your goodness to us, so that we can sing about it to the world. Let people hear our songs, know you, and be healed. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. We Wonder is written and hosted by Sarah Dahl, and is produced by Richard Clark and Nick Thompson. You can support this and future seasons of the podcast by joining us as a patron: visit patreon.com/wewonder to learn more. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod to stay in touch, or learn more at www.wewonderpod.com. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you Monday!