May 22, 2018 – Romans 12:9-10

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9-10.

The last sentence of these two verses creates the way we are to love, and the how.  In order to really love one another, is to take joy and satisfaction in giving them honor and respect.

Loving someone isn’t because they deserve it.  Loving someone most when they least deserve it, is when love is dressed in honor and respect.  Love is sacrificial adoration.  The joy of love is in serving and giving to others.

What is the greatest example of giving love?  Jesus died on the cross because He loves us and wants us to know God’s love as He does.  John 15:12-14 – This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  

An “I love you!” is empty if love is just words.  We back up our love by working hard.  It is not something we do because we have to.  Work is a joy and we are enthusiastic, whistling while we work.  When you show your Dad or Mom that you love them by making chore time a ‘want to’, not a ‘have to.’  Rejoice in our confident hope in Jesus.  Will there be trouble? Yes, remember, praying is a constant time of renewal.

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  I Corinthians 13:7.

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:11-12.