Live as Saints Should Live - Romans 12-16

Paul often referred to the members of the church as Saints. What does it mean to live like a Saint? Catholic saints are revered for their outstanding Christ-like characteristics, and I believe it’s possible for each one of us to be revered as a Saint. In fact, we are commanded to live as Saints should live. Paul warns that the time of our salvation, the time of our judgment, is near. If we want to continue the work of our salvation, we must continue the work our Savior started when he sacrificed his life for us. As taught in Ezekiel 3:20, we must turn away from unrighteousness and repent of our sins. It is imperative that we turn to God with a desire to be righteous. With that desire, we must keep the commandments and endure to the end. If we do that, we will receive salvation and eternal life.

Enduring to the end means to continually live in righteousness. Paul gave much counsel, teaching the members of the church how to live like saints and obtain salvation. Listed below are ten things we can do to prepare ourselves to be worthy of salvation:

1. Romans 12:1 – Serve God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.

2. Romans 12:2 – Renew your mind to accept and perform the will of God.

3. Romans 12:9 – “Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good.”

4. Romans 12:13 – Give hospitality with the spirit of Charity.

5. Romans 12:16 – Be humble and united.

6. Romans 12:21 – “Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”

7. Romans 13:1 – Recognize and obey the power of God.

8. Romans 13:3 – Lead in righteousness.

9. Romans 13:8 – Love one another.

10. Romans 13:9 – Obey the commandments.

Paul gave the Saints special cautions about judging others. He taught that we must not judge others because God has power over us all—we all belong to him. Paul reminded us that we are not any more powerful or important than others who sin because we are all sinners; “we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” We must remember that even though we have all sinned and are indebted to Him, he has still received us and loves us unconditionally. Therefore, we must edify and serve one another out of love for Christ. Although many people have different opinions and practices, showing love for everyone is the most important thing to remember.

Christ, in the purity of his heart, loves us all, and we must emulate his ability to love. Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27 teaches that we must love our brothers and sisters as ourselves. We must strive to make ourselves equals with those around us, including giving to those in need. No child of God should be valued or revered higher than another because our status as children of God should equalize us all. Christ is the one who will judge us, and it is our responsibility to become a unified and loving “one.”