Romans 12:9-21

To our companions at CCSP Belize Fall 2005.
Written by: Katherine, Eric, Kori, Laura G., Sarah and Daryn


Eric – Verse 9
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Do not show counterfeit affection to your neighbor.
Amplify the god in your experiences and relationships,
let that focus create your memories and shape your attitude.
The evil that seems so pervasive in the world is to be hater,
to be shunned by our hearts and our actions.
Let righteousness pervade our minds, our relationships, our place,
let wretchedness take no part of it.

Katherine – Verse 10
Be devoted good friends who love deeply. Practice taking second place, putting others above your own egos.
Greet each other with smiles.
Give each other hugs before bed.
Play games together in childlike glee.
Act silly with each other and let your guards down.
Stick up for and support each other.
Ask your roommate how they’re really doing.
Put flowers in someone’s room.
Give a massage.
Encourage the prof.
Say thank you.
Say I love ya.

Sarah – Verse 11
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Don’t burn out.
Pray with each other.
Put notes of encouragement in each other’s mailboxes.
Be excited to share what God is teaching you with your small group.
Share your thoughts with your roommate.
Make your roommate’s bed.
Help someone with their laundry.
Pray for each other.

Laura – Verse 12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Don’t quite in hard times; pray all the harder.
Take time out of each day to reflect on God.
Spend time in prayer alone, and together.

Daryn – Verse 13
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice creative hospitality.
Respect each other’s cottages,
but open them to times that can be spent together.
Respect each other’s personal lives,
but open them to share in community.
Welcome Brian and Anna into our humble abode and include them cheerfully.

Kori – Verse 14
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Don’t get into a negative space.
When the internet shuts down, be thankful that we have access most of the time.
When you’re hosting a botfly, be thankful for the company.
When you wake up with bowel trouble, be thankful for your toilet seat.
When you leave class confused, be thankful for being able to challenge and guide each other.

Eric – Verse 15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
We are strangers and sojourners together,
children of the same Father God and Mother Earth.
We experience the same things, brothers and sisters:
Life and death, freedom and oppression.
When one stranger rejoices, let our community rejoice.
When one sojourner mourns, let our community mourn also.

Katherine – Verse 16
Live in harmony with one another, don’t be stuck up. Don’t think of yourself as better, cooler or smarter than others.
Consider the gifts and experiences of other students, staff and faculty.
Allow yourself to be surprised by others and yourself.
Invite and encourage others to speak up in class.
Create welcoming spaces.
Use welcoming speech.
Tell your fellow students what gifts you recognize in them.
Show each other grace and forgive each other.
Get to know a Belizean.
Learn a few local plant and animal species.
Care for the earth, and everything in it like you believe it belongs to God.

Sarah – Verse 17
Do not repay evil for evil; don’t hit back, but recognize beauty in everyone. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Be patient with one another.
If you upset someone, talk to them (not their roommate).
Be gentle in confrontation.
If your fellow community member doesn’t refill the Crystal water,
don’t be angry with them.
Instead put a new jug in and offer to fill their nalgene.

Laura – Verse 18
If it is possible, if you’ve got it in you, live at peace and get along with everyone.
We live in close quarters, so take some time to yourself if you need it.
Be a peacemaker. Take up the challenge of conflict resolution among your peers.
Think of something new to ask someone you don’t feel you know so well.
Pray for friendliness.
Pray for eyes to see each other as God sees us.

Daryn – Verse 19
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God. He brings justice.
Stop the cycle of grudges with forgiveness.
Let God keep track of who wrongs who.
We all get annoyed, it’s no surprise.
Expressing such emotions in a healthy manner supports health community.
Don’t be afraid of communication. Much Respect.

Kori – Verses 20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
If someone borrows then finishes your toilet paper, get them another roll.
If someone takes down your laundry and throws on the ground, help them fold theirs next time.
Community is both a joy and a challenge.
Let’s be generous and loving as we walk together this semester.