Lesson 8: Romans 12 as Summary
I was first drawn to examining judgment when seeking a new way to describe what might help us overcome our society’s deep divisions. I thought maybe talking about making good judgments would distract us from simply arguing about our differences. It might lead to new insights rather than the defense of old ideas.
When I turned to the Bible, I was fascinated to find some of the same problems. The primary meaning of judgment was clearly the ability to discern God’s will. However, as time went on, the term was used more and more to define our accountability for doing this. What began as guidance ended up as a threat.
After the frustration of living under the rule of powerful foreign empires, the Hebrews focused their hope on a last judgment after death that opened the way to a new life unsullied by sin. However, this too often emphasized condemnation and punishment rather than promise.
Still, the idea of judgment as discernment remained. For instance, it was there when I was coincidently teaching Romans 12 as a brief statement of Christian ethics. This important chapter could be read as a guide for making sound judgments. It describes our mission as correcting the bad judgment of the world. In the opening paragraph, Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
He goes on (vv. 3-8) to counsel, which will involve having the humility to respect the judgment of others. ”I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned…We are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.”
During this series I have been suggesting Christians often use faith, hope, and love as a formula for making good judgments. Having faith in God’s promise to bring peace and justice in the future inspires making loving decisions now. In the third paragraph (vv. 9-13) Paul offers all sorts of illustrations of this fervent love: “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. .. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
The chapter then ends (vv.14- 21) observing that good judgment in the present always works for transformation to the point of overcoming evil with good. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them….Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all… ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink….’ Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”
That certainly is a guide for the good judgment that leads us to a co-operative loving community. It leaves me thinking that focusing on how to make good judgments very well might help us overcome our divisions.
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