Sometimes I struggle to like the Apostle Paul because he can be so blunt and tough minded. Other times he is thoughtful of others and kind. At those times, I want to hug him!
In worship today, we read the scripture passage three times. One phrase caught my attention in a whole new way and made me want to hug Paul!
In verse 19, Paul is delivering a word that is hard to hear about not taking revenge. But, he softens it by calling the Romans ‘my dear friends.’ He cares deeply that they not seek revenge when wronged or hurt. Paul knows that those words of instruction will be quite difficult for them to hear. He gently tempers his instructions by calling them his friends…his dear friends…a truly huggable Paul moment!!
