Chap. 12:9-16—The display of practical righteousness in the life of the believer is to be seen in his interactions with his brethren. There follows fifteen short maxims that should regulate our relations with one another within the Christian community. It is significant that love is placed first, for its influence and activity is to affect each of the things that follow. Note how many times the suffix “ing” is used in these verses—“preferring, serving, rejoicing, continuing, distributing, pursuing, going,” etc. This indicates that these things are to be an on-going practise in our Christian lives.
Love Without Pretention
Abhor Evil
(vs. 9b)––Being that hatred of evil is mentioned as a contradistinction to loving one another without hypocrisy, it appears that the aspect of evil, which we are exhorted to abhor here, is the spirit of hatred toward our brethren.
Cleave to Goodness
(vs. 9c)––We need to be careful to embrace good and wholesome things.
Affectionate Toward One Another
(vs. 10a)––This exhortation shows that there should not only be divine love (agape) among the saints (vs. 9a), but also “brotherly love” (phileo) (2 Peter 1:77And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (2 Peter 1:7)). Brotherly love expresses itself affectionately and with the warmth of emotion. It is not an aspect of love that Scripture tells us to have toward the lost. We are to love those of the world with an agape love (1 Thess. 3:1212And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: (1 Thessalonians 3:12)), which is a love that is based on a settled disposition of care and concern for its object. This would lead us to reach out to them with the gospel. However, we are not told to love the lost with brotherly (phileo) love, because we could get emotionally wrapped up in their lives and inadvertently be drawn into their lifestyle, whereby we would compromise principles.
Honour One Another
Zealous in Serving the Lord
(vs. 11)––The KJV says, “Not slothful in business,” and it has led some to think that Paul was referring to secular business. (The word “business” actually has no business being in the verse.) It should be translated, “As to diligent zealousness, not slothful; in spirit fervent, serving the Lord.” This is an exhortation to serving the Lord with commitment and energy, because it is possible to become neglectful in the work of the Lord. Archippus is an example of this. Paul said, “Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it” (Col. 4:1717And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. (Colossians 4:17)). Jeremiah warned: “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD negligently” (Jer. 48:1010Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. (Jeremiah 48:10)).
Rejoice in Hope
(vs. 12a)––The next three exhortations are particularly connected with the believer’s wilderness journey. Our hope (a deferred certainty) of the coming glory ought to be before us constantly. It will lift us above the trials and the discouragements of the present day, and make us rejoicing Christians.
Patient in Tribulation
(vs. 12b)––Our anticipation of the coming glory will also sustain us in the path of faith, and enable us to be patient in trial.
Persevering in Prayer
(vs. 12c)––The trials and difficulties of the way should cast us on the Lord in dependence. Since the tendency is to give up in prayer, Paul’s exhortation is to continue steadfastly in this priestly function.
Generous
(vs. 13a)––The next two exhortations pertain to the needs of the Lord’s people. Thus, we are exhorted to be liberal with our possessions, giving to those in need (Acts 20:3434Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. (Acts 20:34)). It is a good way to show people that we truly care for them.
Hospitable
(vs. 13b)––Paul says, “Given to [pursuing] hospitality.” The word for “given” in the Greek can be translated “pursuing.” This means that we should be actively looking for opportunities to show hospitality to our brethren. Small living quarters is sometimes used as an excuse for not entertaining in our homes, but it shouldn’t deter us from this service (Heb. 13:22Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2); 1 Peter 4:99Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (1 Peter 4:9)).
Unretaliating
(vs. 14)––We are to endure persecution and return all animosity against us with courtesy and love (Luke 6:2828Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Luke 6:28)). We must be careful not to retaliate. The Lord taught that in all such circumstances we are to “turn the other cheek,” and be careful not to retaliate (Matt. 5:3939But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matthew 5:39)).
Empathetic
(vs. 15)––God would have us to enter into the joys and sorrows of His people, and to feel what they feel. Attending a wedding would be an example of “rejoice with them that do rejoice.” Attending a funeral would be an example of “weep with them that weep.”
Impartiality
(vs. 16a)––We are to have the same respect for a poor brother as we would have for a wealthy person of social distinction. We should be happy to “condescend to men of low estate.”
Humility
(vs. 16b)––We must judge all tendencies to self-importance. Paul says, “Be not wise in your own conceits [opinion].” Carrying ourselves with an air of self-importance is sure to have a negative effect on the fellowship of Christians. Humility is the secret of happy fellowship, but seeking a high place among brethren stirs up rivalry that divides the saints.