As commonly happens, I was reading my Bible during a sermon at church….not the listed verses, the ones around it.
I’d had a good conversation that morning, there is so much hurt. So much unknown. So much unrest. So much hurt even at the hand of fellow Christians. We are told in the Bible ‘they’ll know we are Christ followers by our love’ so let’s define “love”.
No, I’m not going to the Love chapter. (Though I’m personally one who firmly believes that this description of love, which we ascribe to the love which should be found in a marriage, is a description to that which is also found between God and His created mankind). I’m talking Romans chapter 12 starting in verse 9, which is the love which is to be between us and our ‘brethren.’
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.
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 everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21 (emphasis applied)
There is little else to say, really. I’m going to circle back to the Bible verses that WERE read while at church. WHY should we show this LOVE?
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 9:1-2
Love. Christians….fellow Christ-followers…Love. Because it’s how we worship God in return, who showed us the ultimate Love.
