Romans 12:9-20 English Standard Version
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
This is not exactly what one thinks about when we hear the word tattoo. In much the same way as a tattoo has meaning about what we care about and stand for something, then these passages mark us in ways more indelible than ink.
It begins with “Let love be genuine.” This is followed immediately with abhor evil. Abhor in Vive’s is a verb that denotes “a shudder”, a physical reaction that makes every nerve react in horror. It does not apply the word hate to evil but is the opposite reaction to good which is to cling.
Tattoos fade over time and lose their brightness. This is just the opposite with “marks” of a Christian. We get better and brighter as we mature in Christ. That might be because this life becomes more a matter of being rather than doing. I could be wrong, but it feels that way.
I am struck with verse 18 which begins with “if possible” because not everything is within my control.