The second half of verse 9 commands us to “detest evil” and “cling to what is good.” What modern evils do you detest? How can clinging to what is good help us grow in our ability to “detest” or “abhor” what is evil?

In verse 10, Paul returns to his command to love, this time using different Greek words. In verse 9, he used the word agape for love, here he uses two additional words: philostorgos and philadelphia. He writes, “Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters.” Don’t just love genuinely; love deeply. Commenting on verse 10, J.D. said that love within the body of Christ should resemble the love of a healthy family. Who has shown you the kind of love Paul describes here? How has their love impacted you? In what ways do you try to show that kind of love to others? 

In the next several lines, Paul jams as many commands and encouragements into his sentences as he can, instructing the people of God to wholly commit to godly behavior. In verse 11 he says, “Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord.” What is the common theme between these three commands? In what ways is your service to the Lord marked by diligence in zeal and fervency in the Spirit? What could it look like for you to grow in these areas?

He goes on in verse 12 to highlight the need for hope, patience, and persistence in prayer because life is not always easy. In what ways have you endured difficulty? What role did hope play in carrying you through that tough circumstance?

Paul directs us to keep praying in every circumstance, even difficult ones. How would you describe your prayer life? What can you do to grow more persistent in prayer and more patient in affliction?

Paul, in verse 13, introduces the concept of hospitality, encouraging readers to “pursue” it or “seek to show” it to others. How would you define the word hospitality? When have you been shown hospitality by someone? In what ways do you seek to show hospitality to others?

One of Paul’s most difficult commands in this passage comes in verse 14 where he tells readers to “Bless those who persecute you,” or those who intentionally mistreat you because of your faith. Have you ever been persecuted for your Christian faith? How did you respond? What does it look like to respond to being persecuted by blessing our persecutors?

Verse 15 is a passage that is quoted a lot within the Christian community, and for good reason. Paul instructs us to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep.” When we obey this command from Paul, we have the opportunity to, as theologian C.S. Lewis has said, double our neighbor’s joy and halve their sorrow. How intentional are you in rejoicing with others when they rejoice? When has someone wept with you as you wept? How did their presence help minister to you in your sorrow?

Paul interjects a sentence in verse 16 that serves as a summation of this entire passage. He says, “Live in harmony with one another.” What does it mean to live in harmony with others? How do you seek to live in harmony with others in every sphere of life—in your neighborhood, at work, recreationally, and online?

Paul goes on to warn us against pride, encouraging us to “associate with the humble.” In what ways is pride a dangerous sin? How does pride manifest itself in your life?

Who in your life exhibits great humility? How can you make it a priority to spend more time with—to associate with—that person?

In verses 17–18, Paul circles back to and rephrases an idea that he addressed earlier. He says, “Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” How carefully do you think about doing what is honorable to everyone around you? To what lengths do you go to live at peace with everyone? What could change about our society if Christians gave more careful thought to these commands of Paul? 

What one thing could you begin doing today for the sake of living a more honorable life? What could it look like to be more intentional about living at peace with everyone?

Paul concludes chapter 12 by showing readers an alternative to avenging ourselves when we’ve been wronged. Instead of repaying evil with evil, we should feed our enemies when they’re hungry and give them something to drink when they’re thirsty. Think of someone whom you consider an enemy. What can do you to show kindness to that person? Which of their needs could you meet this week?

Paul’s final sentence picks up on a statement he made in verse 9. Here, in verse 21, he says “Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” In place of “conquer,” there are several words that could be used to convey Paul’s meaning, like “overcome” or “overpower.” But his point is clear: the only way we can defeat evil is with good. What evils are most prominent around you? How can you overcome those evils with good?

One of J.D.’s main arguments in this session was that God’s love transforms us—it compels us to share his love with other people in our lives, from our church family to complete strangers to our so-called enemies. In what ways does God’s love for you in Christ compel you to share his love with other people?

How do you actively seek to love the people in your local church? The strangers and acquaintances you encounter every day? Those who are considered your enemies?

Who in your life needs to be made aware of God’s love for them? What could you do to share God’s love with them this week?

We love as God has loved us, living with good intentions and actions toward all people, even our enemies. And in so doing, by God’s grace, we follow the example of Christ, the perfect image of the invisible God who is love.