Romans – A Treatise
Chapter Twelve
HUMILITY – A RARE CHRISTIAN GRACE
Scripture Reading: verses 12-19 (Darby translation)
BLESS THEM THAT PERSECUTE YOU; BLESS, AND CURSE NOT. REJOICE WITH THOSE THAT REJOICE, WEEP WITH THOSE THAT WEEP. HAVE THE SAME RESPECT ONE FOR ANOTHER, NOT MINDING HIGH THINGS, BUT GOING ALONG WITH THE LOWLY: BE NOT WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES: RECOMPENSING TO NO ONE EVIL FOR EVIL: PROVIDING THINGS HONEST BEFORE ALL MEN: IF POSSIBLE, AS FOR AS DEPENDS ON YOU, LIVING IN PEACE WITH ALL MEN; NOT AVENGING YOURSELVES, BELOVED, BUT GIVE PLACE TO WRATH.
This chapter has been called a treatise on Christian etiquette because it puts immense responsibility on those who call themselves by the name of Christ.
While going through the considerations of this chapter, it has been repeatedly suggested that we are living in an age when the crying need of preaching and teaching is more stress on Christian conduct.
These injunctions are contrary to human nature because our natural impulses are to retaliate for evil done to us. However, here it is the opposite: “Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.” In this extended enumeration of Christian obligations, most of what Paul enjoined thus far was to have been expected as the natural duties arising from the close and affectionate relationship existing in God’s family of Christians; but the great and active principle of that great love which is the hallmark of true discipleship goes beyond what we might have expected. This principle begins to emerge in the preceding verse, where the “communicating” or “distributing” to the saints’ necessities is not confined to alleviation of distress before one’s eyes, but extends to meeting those needs of which he has merely heard; and that principle emerges further in the admonition that hospitality is not merely for our friends and acquaintances, but also for strangers. In this verse the principle is extended to encompass doing good to wicked and malevolent enemies of the child of God. Love is thus revealed as the Christian weapon against evil itself, the heavenly device by which evil itself may be overcome by good, that being the great thought with which the chapter concludes.The keynote of the Christian economy is “blessing.”
The Lord has blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven those who at one time were enemies by wicked works. Most of us can look back to the time when we were opposed to the intervention of the Lord in our affairs, but nevertheless He showed us loving-kindness. One of the most remarkable features of the New Testament is recorded in the closing verses of Luke’s gospel. It is the last act performed by our Lord here on earth. He stood on the Mount of Olives and raised His hands in blessing upon the heads of those who stood around. As they watched Him, He was carried up into heaven out of their sight. The last attitude of the Lord Jesus toward this poor world was raising His hands in blessing. What an example for His people to follow. Sometimes it is difficult to follow His steps because of the opposition and misunderstanding we meet is often so unreasonable. Our motives are misinterpreted, our actions are misjudged, and so often Satan himself energizes others to do ill toward us without reason. Under such circumstances it takes much faith in God and great humility to bless those that persecute us; to bless, and curse not. However, this is the triumph of the Christian faith, and keeping these precepts results in great reward.
In the next verse Paul introduces us to the practical fellowship of the Christian company: “Rejoice with those that rejoice, weep with those that weep.” This teaches the community of mankind. The Christian does not exist in a state of isolation and indifference to the fate of others, but has compassion like his holy Master, being involved in and moved by the emotions of others, whether of joy or sorrow. Only the wicked or the thoughtless are callused against the joys and sorrows of humanity; and, if one permits himself to become hardened against concern for fellow mortals, he forfeits the likeness he might have had for Him who wept at the grave of Lazarus, had compassion on the multitude, and replenished the wine at the wedding in Cana. Perhaps in describing our nearest and dearest friends we would speak of them in this way. When we are happy, successful and prosperous, they join in the acclarnations on our behalf and wish us unbounded blessings. When sadness and sorrow come into our lives and our hearts sink in despair, they mingle their tears with ours and bear our burdens with us. What a marvelous place the world would be if Christian people everywhere followed this teaching. We should all search our hearts because so much of the opposite is in vogue today, even among those who profess Christianity.
How sad that even among God’s people many act opposite to this teaching. When they see us happy and successful, they are jealous and envious, and do their utmost to dampen our spirit and discourage. When we are in sorrow and difficulty, they somehow show they are gratified. Yes, these thoughts should search our hearts. Most of us can think back over our own lives, realize how many real Christians we have known that in some measure at least have conformed to these exhortations. We have laughed together, we have wept together, and thus human souls are bound by the strong cords of Christian love and fellowship that nothing on earth can break.
Then Paul says, “Have the same respect one for another, not minding high things, but going along with the lowly.”1 This is also contrary to the current of present day life. The fashion able conduct today is to pick out those fellow Christians that either suit us best or who will contribute most to our personal benefits and show respect toward them. Then we so often look down on others simply because they do not fit into the selfish schemes we pursue. A respectful attitude that is sincere toward all fellow Christians is a jewel of priceless value in the Christian heart. Give consideration to Mr. Darby’s translation of this sixteenth verse: “Not minding high things,2 but going along with the lowly.” What a wonderful expression, “going along with the lowly.” It is true that we are apt to aspire to go along with successful people, i.e., the well-to-do, the social élite. It is a safer plan for a Christian to go along with humble folk, to travel side by side with the lowly. It is better from every practical point of view. The proud and successful will, when it suits them, push us aside; but among the lowly we find loyalty, devotion, and genuine spirituality.
Then Paul says, “Be not wise in your own eyes.”3 Humility is one of the rarest and most priceless gems of human personality. Of course, in consideration of all these teachings, let us remember that some human personalities have more difficulty with themselves than others. For instance, some are naturally of a proud spirit; others are naturally amiable and humble. Sometimes we look with envy on people who are naturally of a humble spirit, realizing they do not have the difficulties that some of us have in curbing human pride and self-assertion. Going along with the lowly, keeping company with humble people is one of the greatest disciplines toward humility we could desire. As we do so we become more accustomed to our own inadequacy, and are not so wise in our own eyes. It is a peculiar phenomenon of human nature that some of the most ignorant people are wisest in their own eyes. However, if we read our Bibles more and meditated on the immensity of the truths that are presented to us, we would more readily realize how feeble and inadequate we are. The Bible has been called “God’s university,” and delving into its unfathomed mines of truth and wisdom is an education that enlarges the mind and humbles the heart.
