Let's take a look at the rest of Romans chapter 12. Click here, to read part 1 if you haven't already done so.

12:11 "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;"

God asks that we be not slothful or lazy in business, "whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

In contrast to slothfulness, be fervent or passionate in spirit, serving the Lord.

12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

The Christian has many things to rejoice over, We have the precious hope of the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we should be rejoicing in this blessed hope! Whatever trial or tribulation comes our way we have the divine command to be patient in these trials. To be patient in tribulation we need to continue always in prayer. If we are continually in an attitude of prayer, God will give us the needed strength to be patient when things don't go right, or when trials come to us. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

It's not God's plan that any should go without, He asks of us to be given to hospitality, distributing to the necessity of saints who are more needy than ourselves.

12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Throughout the Bible we see there is no room for hatred against anyone. We are to bless them which persecute us, and again, the Bible says "bless and curse not". By blessing our persecutors we may be able to shine some of the love of Christ into their lives.

12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Show empathy and understanding to everyone, Rejoice with those who are Rejoicing and Weep with them that weep. Try to put yourself in the shoes of other people to understand what they are going through.

12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

One of the key factors in unity is being of the same mind or same thinking toward one another, Do not be thinking of high or mighty things all the time but come down and meet people where they're at. Don't be wise in your own conceits or opinion of yourself.

12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

When some one is doing evil toward you, don't recompense or retaliate with evil, Instead provide that which is honest and good. There is very wise counsel in the Bible verses that say "whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Mathew 5:39-44)

12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

As much as is humanly possible, seek to live peaceably among all men. Oh! if only more people would take up this Godly counsel! How much strife could be avoided.

12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Two wrongs don't make a right, don't seek to take vengeance out on any one, pray to God and give the grievance to Him, for the Lord says "vengeance is mine and I will repay".

12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

This is a beautiful verse, we are instructed to love our enemies, to bless them, to feed them and to give them drink. How can you be angry to someone who truly loves you and blesses you? This verse basically sums up the commandment "love thy neighbour as thyself". Do good to your enemies, be the very best possible witness of the love of God to them, and perhaps, by God's grace, they will see the error of their ways and repent and be saved.

To sum this chapter up Paul under the inspiration of God says:

12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

To often when we are confronted with wrong we try to retaliate, to avenge, to be angry or something of that nature, but this isn't the way of Jesus. Instead, if we are following God, when we are confronted with wrong we will show sympathy, tenderness and love to all people involved, we will do all we possibly can to seek peace, we will show love to our enemies by actions of service and, by the grace of God, do all in our power to overcome evil with good.

Dear reader, these principles of true Christian living go against what most people in this world believe, and you may find it difficult to follow them, but ask God for help, pray daily for strength and wisdom, pray that God will show you more and more of His love.
He will answer our sincere prayers and will change our hearts so as we can love, even our enemies.