Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 12

The apostle, having closed the part of his letter in which he argues for and proves various doctrines that are then practically applied, now urges important duties based on gospel principles. He urged the Romans, as his fellow believers in Christ, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of His mercy.

Let us give ourselves—all we are, all we have, all we can do. And after all, what kind of return is this for such abundant gifts? It is acceptable to God: a reasonable service, for which we are able and ready to give a reason, and which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change, not of the soul's substance, but of its qualities.

The progress of sanctification—dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more—is the continuation of this renewing work, until it is perfected in glory. The great enemy of this renewal is conformity to this world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness as though it were found in the things of this world, which soon pass away. Do not adopt the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh and mind earthly things.

The work of the Holy Spirit first begins in the understanding and is carried on to the will, affections, and way of life, until there is a change in the whole person into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly is to surrender ourselves to God.

Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body and the common Centre of their unity. In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to one sort of work, and others to another.

We are to do all the good we can to one another and for the common benefit. If we duly considered the abilities we have and how far we fail to use them properly, it would humble us. But just as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must also take care that, under a pretence of humility and self-denial, we are not slothful in devoting ourselves to the good of others.

We must not say, 'I am nothing; therefore, I will sit still and do nothing.' Instead, our mindset should be: 'I am nothing in myself, and therefore I will exert myself to the utmost in the strength of the grace of Christ.' Whatever our gifts or situations may be, let us try to apply ourselves humbly, diligently, cheerfully, and in simplicity; not seeking our own credit or profit, but the good of many, for this world and the world to come.

The love Christians profess for each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and empty 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 what is good, but we must also hold fast to it. All our duty toward one another is summed up in one word: love.

This refers to the love of parents for their children—a love more tender and natural than any other, unforced and unconstrained. And love for God and humanity, combined with zeal for the gospel, will make the wise Christian diligent in all their worldly business and in gaining superior skill. God must be served with the spirit, under the influence 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 also by sitting still quietly when He calls us to suffer. Patience for God's sake is true piety. Those who rejoice in hope are likely to be patient in tribulation. We should not be cold in the duty of prayer, nor quickly grow weary of it.

Not only must there be kindness to friends and fellow believers, but Christians must also not harbour anger against enemies. It is only mock love that rests in words of kindness while our fellow believers need real supplies and it is in our power to provide them. Be ready to show hospitality to those who do good; when the occasion arises, we must welcome strangers. Bless, and curse not.

This means thorough goodwill: not blessing them when at prayer and cursing them at other times, but blessing them always and not cursing at all. True Christian love will lead us to share in the sorrows and joys of each other. Strive as much as you can to agree on the same spiritual truths; and when you fall short of that, still agree in affection.

Regard worldly pomp and dignity with holy contempt. Do not pay attention to it; do not be in love with it. Be reconciled to the place God, in His providence, puts you in, whatever it may be. Nothing is beneath us except sin. We will never find it in our hearts to condescend to others while we indulge self-conceit; therefore, that must be mortified.

Since people became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies to one another. And those who embrace religion must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's. Recompense to no man evil for evil. That is a brutish recompense, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them or of any existence hereafter.

And not only do so, but study and take care to do what is amiable and creditable, and recommends religion to all with whom you converse. Study the things that make for peace, if it is possible, without offending God and wounding your conscience. Avenge not yourselves. This is a hard lesson for corrupt nature; therefore, a remedy against it is added.

Give place unto wrath. When a person's passion is up, and the current is strong, let it pass by; lest it be made to rage all the more against us. The line of our duty is clearly marked out. If our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongs. The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world: that in all strife and contention, those who take revenge are conquered, and those who forgive are conquerors.

Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat evil designs against you, either to change them or to preserve your own peace. He who has this rule over his spirit is better than the mighty. God's children may be asked whether it is not sweeter to them than all earthly good that God so enables them by His Spirit, thus to feel and act.