Romans chapter 12 verses 9-21 (NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour 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 the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This portion is headed, “Love in action.”
The more I read it, the more I realised I couldn’t just include the few verses I had intended to. These verses are indeed an illustration of how we should live as followers of Jesus. What an amazing list. It covers all aspects of life. And it proves that sincere love is not wishy washy. Some of the things that Paul says we should be doing are not always easy to do, certainly not without the help of the Holy Spirit. But it’s not hard to see what an impact living this way would have on those who cross our path, even those who don’t think very much of us.
Dear Lord,
I know that I can’t do all of these things without the help of the Holy Spirit. Help me to put into practice the instructions given by Paul. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.