In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles explore Romans 12:14-18, revealing how believers are empowered through the Holy Spirit to bless rather than curse, rejoice and weep with others, and live in harmony. They discuss how old patterns of retaliation stem from the flesh, but under the New Covenant, believers have a new spirit and renewed mind to respond with genuine love—even toward those who cause harm. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, they demonstrate that what was once impossible under the law becomes both freeing and joyful through Christ’s life in us.

Key Verses:

Romans 12:14-18: "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. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Quotes: "In Christ, you can afford to be wrong, and you can afford to be wronged."

"It's not on our love and forgiveness that the world will change, but on His through us."

"God doesn’t promise great circumstances, but He does promise His presence, His love, and a peace that surpasses understanding."

Key Points:

1. Living in Christ means breaking free from the old pattern of retaliation and embracing love, even in persecution.
2. The renewal of the mind is not something we achieve by effort but something we allow God to do in us.
3. Unity in the body of Christ comes from recognizing everyone's equal value and responding with humility and grace.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:04)
2. Scripture Reading (01:00)
3. Do’s and Don’ts (02:04)
4. Breaking Free from Old Fleshly Patterns (03:49)
5. Allowing God to Transform Us (05:08)
6. A Story of Responding with Love (09:27)
7. Persecution Reveals Our Faith (08:12)
8. Seeing Every Person’s Value (13:20)
9. Living Peaceably and not Repaying Evil (15:55)
10. Corrie Ten Boom’s Story of Empowerment (16:30)
11. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (19:11)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Cinematic Strings by Cleanmindsounds (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Ben Brezina Participating Staff: Jamie Pharis Pyles Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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