Romans 12:9-16
9) “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14) Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15) Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16) Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
A preacher once told about three kids who made a new club. They had three rules. Nobody acts big. Nobody acts little. Everybody acts medium. Pretty good advice!
In the verses that precede this section of Romans twelve, Paul talks about being living sacrifices and that it starts inside. We become what we think about (and what we think about ourselves). Now this is part two of being a living sacrifice—living sacrifices living together.
Love Must Be Sincere (v. 9).
Love Hates Evil. It Clings to Good (v. 9).
Love Is Being a Devoted Friend (v. 10).
Love Honors Another Above You (v. 10).
Love Is Zealous, with Spiritual Fervor (v. 11).
Love Is Joyful (Because of Hope) (v. 12).
Love Is Patient in Affliction (v. 12).
Love Is Faithful in Prayer (v. 12).
Love Shares with God’s People Who Are in Need (v. 13).
Love Practices Hospitality (v. 13).
Love Blesses Those Who Persecute (v. 14).
Love Rejoices with Those Who Rejoice (v. 15).
Love Mourns with Those Who Mourn (v. 15).
Love Stretches Its Social Range Past Its Comfort Zones (v. 16).
Remember, all letter long, Paul reminds us that this is God-guided living that we cannot produce on our own. We need a Savior. We need the Spirit. We may have them.
