Love

Romans 12:9. Most of us have learned how to pretend to love others, how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to feel moved with compassion when we hear of other’s needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond pretense and politeness. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways that you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.
Romans 12:10. We can honor others in one of two ways. One involves ulterior motives. We honor our bosses so they will reward us, our employees so they will work harder, the wealthy so they will donate to our cause, the powerful so they will use there power for us and not against us. God’s other way involves love. As Christians, we honor people because they have been created in God’s image, because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and because they have a unique contribution to make to Christ’s church. Does God’s way of honoring others sound to difficult for your competitive nature? Why not try to outdo one another in showing honor? Put others first !!
Romans 12:13. Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host, the home must be spotless, the food must be very well prepared and abundant, the host must appear relaxed and good natured. Hospitality, by contrast, focuses on the guest. Their needs, whether for a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or acceptance, are the primary concern. Hospitality can happen in a messy home, it can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is a can of soup. It can even happen while the host and guest are doing chores together. Don’t hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are to tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain.
Romans 12:16 Many people use their contacts and relationships for self ambition. They select those people who will help them climb the social ladder. Christ demonstrated and taught that we should treat all people with respect, those of a different race, the handicapped, young and old, male and female. We must never consider others as being beneath us. Paul says we need to live in harmony with others and not be to proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. Are you able to do humble task with others? Do you welcome conversation with unattractive, non-prestigious people? Are you willing to welcome newcomers and entry level people? Or do you only relate to those who will help you get ahead?
Romans 12: 17. These verses summarize the core of Christian living. If we love someone the way Christ loves us, we will be willing to forgive. If we experienced God’s grace, we will want to pass it on to others. And remember, Grace is undeserved favor. By giving an enemy a drink, we’re excusing his misdeeds. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins, just as Christ did for us.
Romans12:19-21. Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it difficult to feel forgiveness toward someone who has hurt you, try responding with kind actions. Lend a helping hand. Send him or her a gift. Smile at him or her. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings.

When we fight all of our battles down on our knees, we win every time.

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GZ/KZ