Romans 12:9-21 and Psalm 97

Romans 12:9-21

[9]Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; [10]love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. [11]Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12]Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. [13]Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

[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; do not claim to be wiser than you are. [17]Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. [18]If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [19]Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." [20]No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." [21]Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Psalm 97

[1]   The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice;  

          let the many coastlands be glad!  

[2]   Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;  

          righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.  

[3]   Fire goes before him,  

          and consumes his adversaries on every side.  

[4]   His lightnings light up the world;  

          the earth sees and trembles.  

[5]   The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,  

          before the Lord of all the earth.

[6]   The heavens proclaim his righteousness;  

          and all the peoples behold his glory.  

[7]   All worshipers of images are put to shame,  

          those who make their boast in worthless idols;  

          all gods bow down before him.  

[8]   Zion hears and is glad,  

          and the towns of Judah rejoice,  

          because of your judgments, O God.  

[9]   For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;  

          you are exalted far above all gods.

[10]  The LORD loves those who hate evil;  

          he guards the lives of his faithful;  

          he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.  

[11]  Light dawns for the righteous,  

          and joy for the upright in heart.  

[12]  Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,  

          and give thanks to his holy name!