Dear Beloved Church,
Sunday’s challenge was the challenge to live a life of sincere love.
Romans 12:9-18 says: 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
We learned from this passage:
Sincere love embraces goodness and hates evil .
Pray the Holy Spirit will give you the knowledge and desires to love what God loves and to hate what God hates.
Sincere love embraces people.
We are to bless those who persecute us and be sure not to repay anyone evil for evil. We are to choose love even when others don’t.
We are to live in harmony with one another. Loving sincerely means trying to get along with all people regardless of their viewpoints.
We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. What better practical ways to show love?
We are told, “Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” People who love sincerely aren’t selective about who they will love.
Sincere love embraces service. Verse 10 and 11 say, “ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Look back at verse 13 as well, “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Daily service should be the preoccupation of every Christian.
Sincere love embraces faith. Love and faith cannot be separated. Ephesians 5:2 tells us we are to walk in love. II Corinthians 5:7 tells us we are to walk in faith. Love is the course, hope sees the finish line, patience is the speed, and faithfulness in prayer is what will ensure forward progress.
How can you live a life of love TODAY?
God’s best to you!
Pastor Melissa
