Fathers

Romans 12

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I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

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What the Fathers say

Romans 12:11

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Not backward in zeal." For this also gendereth love when with honor we also show a readiness to protect: as there is nothing that makes men beloved so much as honor and forethought. For to love is not enough, but there must be this also: or rather this also comes of loving, as also loving has its warmth from this, and they are confirmative one of another. For there are many that love in mind, yet reach not forth the hand. And this is why he uses every means to build up love. …

Homily on Romans 21 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since many, it would seem, honor and love one another in their souls, but do not extend their hands to them, he teaches us to care for one another and to help others by deed itself. An objection is anticipated: how can we "not be slothful in zeal"? If, he answers, we are fervent in spirit, that is, if we are diligent and zealous. Note also that "be fervent in spirit" is said after the enumeration of many kinds of virtue; for whoever has fulfilled the above attracts the grace of the Spirit and is kindled by His fire. …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, in carefulness, he shows the qualities surrounding charity's love of God. First, he starts with reason's attentiveness when he says: in carefulness, not slothful, when it is a question of worshiping God: he has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, and he continues: but to walk carefully with your God? (Mic 6:8); do your best to present yourself to God as one approved (2 Tim 2:15). Second, the affections when he says: be fervent in the spirit, namely, in loving God. …

Commentary on Romans ↗