Responsive Reading: Romans 12: 1, 9-12, 14, 18, 21
1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
9. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

I have realized since coming to Plainfield that much of my vocabulary has been gained through context, instead of knowing the correct definitions. So, reading this, I felt I needed to be sure of the correct meanings. Here they are (abridged) from the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary:

Dissimulation
A hiding under a false appearance; a feigning; false pretension; hypocrisy. dissimulation may be simply concealment of the opinions, sentiments or purpose; but it includes also the assuming of a false or counterfeit appearance which conceals the real opinions or purpose.

Abhor
1. To hate extremely, or with contempt; to lothe, detest or abominate.

Cleave
3. To unite or be united closely in interest or affection; to adhere with strong attachment.

Honor
4. Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being.

Sloth
2. Disinclination to action or labor; sluggishness; laziness; idleness.

Business
3. Serious engagement; important occupation, in distinction from trivial affairs.
7. Duty, or employment that duty enjoins.

Fervent
3. Ardent; very warm; earnest; excited; animated; glowing; as fervent zeal; fervent piety.

Tribulation
Severe affliction; distresses of life; vexations. In Scripture, it often denotes the troubles and distresses which proceed from persecution.

It is so beautiful what is being said, knowing the real meanings of these words. “Let love be without counterfeit appearance.” “Detest that which is evil; adhere strongly to that which is good.” “…in reverence preferring one another.” “Not sluggish in our duty and occupation; Excited in spirit;” “patient in severe affliction;”

I am very grateful for all that is being taught here. Thank you!