Romans 12, 14 to 21.

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 conceded. 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. 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.

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.

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

Let's pray together.

Father, I ask that you would come on this Sunday morning

as people are attending to this word and kill our pride.

If it's painful, Lord, to me or any of us, grant us grace to endure the pain.

Bring us through this surgery, I pray,

on the other side broken, healed and humble through faith in Jesus Christ.

May we turn away from ourselves and find in Christ our all in all.

For those who are in this room, not loving Christ, not trusting Christ, not banking on Christ or treasuring Christ.

I pray that Christ would come in power through this word

and make himself known real compelling to every heart.

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