Our scripture this morning is Romans 12:9.
“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. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”
In this passage Paul gives us strong encouragement in every area of Christian life. However, all of what he tells us is fueled by love. Anything we do in faith is inspired by God’s love for us and our desire to return it to Him by loving others.
Paul tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians that doing anything without love is a waste of time (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). We need God’s love to live and we need to share it with everyone to fulfill the promise we have made to bring all people to Him. It doesn’t matter what we do, love is a necessary part of everything.
We may find it difficult to love those who oppose us. Jesus tells us to love them anyway. There is no acceptable excuse we can give for not loving others. God’s love is given to us even though we don’t deserve it; we can do no less for our brothers and sisters.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we fail to share the love You have given us with others. Help us to show Your love in all we say and do. Amen.