Bible reference (New Testament) Romans 12:9-16

The writer of Romans, Paul, lists the qualities of genuine love for others. 

Romans 12

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong.

Hold tightly to what is good.

10 Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.

11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

12 Rejoice in our confident hope.

Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.

Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you.

Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

15 Be happy with those who are happy,

and weep with those who weep.

16 Live in harmony with each other.

Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.

And don’t think you know it all!

Bible reference (New Testament) Romans 12:17-21

Leave revenge to God. 

Romans 12

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.
20 Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”[b]

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

When I was in the eighth grade we read this poem in English class. It gives a little candid insight into this famous author’s family life from long ago.

The Children’s Hour
–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day’s occupations,
That is known as the Children’s Hour.

I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.

From my study I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.

A whisper, and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.

A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!

They climb up into my turret
O’er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me;
They seem to be everywhere.

They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine!

Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all!

I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.

And there will I keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder in dust away!