Romans 12:9-13
Living in Christian Love
“Love must be sincere. Hate
what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly
love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep
your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.” (NIV)
In these short five verses
God is showing us through Paul’s teaching that before love is shown in action,
it is first a feeling that is pure and sincere. Our motive to love originates
in our hearts, without pretense or thought of self. That is a pretty tall order in this “me-centered” society we
live in. Most of us would rather
serve ourselves and our agendas than look outward to what someone else might
need at a given moment. But it does start with us, or better yet, it starts
with us asking God to help us, because if our motive is anything less than
pure, what we bring is not pleasing to the Lord.
What follows in the remaining
verses is really a to-do list! I love lists! Please do not misunderstand me here, our relationship and walk
with the Lord is not a list of things we check off and then kick back and
relax. Sometimes, however, these small groups of verses can show us the way to
some wonderful and practical Christian living. Recently my husband, daughter
and I were the recipients of hospitality when a couple in the church invited us
over for dinner. We had just returned from dropping our boys at college,
feeling road weary, and maybe a little sad too. This was just what our spirits
(and stomachs!) needed. The fellowship and meal were such a blessing and we
felt loved. Another “to-do” in
these verses is to be faithful in prayer and in 1 Thess. 5:17 it says to “pray
continually.” We can sincerely love each other by our faithful, consistent and
persistent prayers! Do this on your own or join us Wednesday nights for
corporate prayer.
These are just a couple of
examples how we can give and receive love. Is there a to-do on this list that you
might begin to work on today that would deepen your love for Jesus and show
your love for your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ?
Nicole Marron lives in
Norwalk, has been at Hope for 9 years and serves on the worship team and as
director of the serving and care ministry.
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