Verse of the Day

　　

Romans 12:11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

　　

Translations of Today's Verse

King James Version

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.

English Standard Version

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,Or fervent in the Spirit serve the Lord.

The Message

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master,

New King James Version

Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

New Living Translation

Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

　　

Commentary on Today's Verse

Commentary on Romans 12:9-16

(Read Romans 12:9-16)

　　The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and unmeaning and deceitful compliments. Depending on Divine grace, they must detest and dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful. We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. All our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. This denotes the love of parents to their children; which is more tender and natural than any other; unforced, unconstrained. And love to God and man, with zeal for the gospel, will make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business, and in gaining superior skill. God must be served with the spirit, under the influences of the Holy Spirit. He is honoured by our hope and trust in him, especially when we rejoice in that hope. He is served, not only by working for him, but by sitting still quietly, when he calls us to suffer. Patience for God's sake, is true piety. Those that rejoice in hope, are likely to be patient in tribulation. We should not be cold in the duty of prayer, nor soon weary of it. Not only must there be kindness to friends and brethren, but Christians must not harbour anger against enemies. It is but mock love, which rests in words of kindness, while our brethren need real supplies, and it is in our power to furnish them. Be ready to entertain those who do good: as there is occasion, we must welcome strangers. Bless, and curse not. It means thorough good will; not, bless them when at prayer, and curse them at other times; but bless them always, and curse not at all. True Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of each other. Labour as much as you can to agree in the same spiritual truths; and when you come short of that, yet agree in affection. Look upon worldly pomp and dignity with holy contempt. Do not mind it; be not in love with it. Be reconciled to the place God in his providence puts you in, whatever it be. Nothing is below us, but sin. We shall never find in our hearts to condescend to others, while we indulge conceit of ourselves; therefore that must be mortified.

　　

Romans 12:11 In-Context

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

　　10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

　　11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

　　12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

　　13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.