Hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Dormgrandpop readers will be familiar with Leeds Episcopal Church, where I attend 10:30 AM services on my weekend visits to Hume. One of yesterday’s Christian Bible readings, from the Apostle Paul’s ‘Letters to the Romans’ (Chapter 12, Verses 9-21) communicated this simple message.

‘Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil.. Hold fast to what is good. Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal. Be ardent in spirit. Serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; of they are thirsty; give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Paul’s message, which echoes themes in another Christian testimony, the 'Sermon on the Mount' and in many other of the world’s influential religious traditions, was something of value that I could take home from Sunday’s service.

It made talking the time to gather with the Leeds faith community worthwhile.