What can I do?

Perhaps like me, you have increasingly frequent moments when you wish you could do something about all that's going on in our nation and in the world.  Most of us don't have the power or authority to make sweeping changes but each of us has power and authority over the integrity of our own lives.  
 
These verses from Romans 20 give us two dozen answers to the question, "What can I do?"
 
Let your love be sincere:
    hate what is evil,
        hold on to what is good...

Love one another with mutual affection
    and anticipate one another in showing honor...

Do not grow slack in zeal
    but be fervent in spirit
        and serve the Lord...

Rejoice in hope,
    endure in affliction,
        and persevere in prayer...

Contribute to the needs of God's people,
    offering hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you
    - bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice
    and weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with one another;
    do not be haughty but associate with the lowly
        and do not be wise in your own estimation.   
 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.  
If possible, insofar as it depends on you,
    live at peace with all...
 
Do not be conquered by evil 
    but conquer evil with good...
 
Amen.
 
 Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation