The first half of Romans 12 is not too hard to understand or even receive.  It is reasonable to offer ourselves to God, renew our minds and join Him in the transformation process.  Using our gifts for the good of others and the glory of God is not easy but it makes sense in light of Who gave us the gifts.  But as we move into the second half of Romans 12, things get a little more complicated.  Paul reminded the Romans that the expectation of transformation was a disposition of love that not only valued those in the community of faith but enemies of the gospel as well!  Of course, this was exactly what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount.  Given our nature as humans and our culture historically, the admonition to love like Jesus seems idealistic and out of reach for humans.   In fact, it would be possible to read these verses and only end up discouraged.  If we’re honest, we’re not doing so well with “becoming people of love.”  There is another way to read this passage that will be encouraging.  Read it as a description of who you are becoming.  Of course we fall short! That’s why we needed to be saved.  But, what God wants to do is make people like His Son and He is doing just that!  He has given us the Spirit so we have the power.  He has given us the Word so we have the description.  He has given us His Son so we have a Partner and Model in the process.   What seems impossible to us is possible with God.  He will not give up, let’s abide in Him so that much fruit will remain.