Christian Love in Action: More Than Just Words
- meetgodattheedgeof
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Romans 12:9-10
[9] Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. [10] Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Love each other with genuine affection. I felt called to read Romans today, so I started at chapter one and just kept going. Every time I have the opportunity to read this book uninterrupted and without stopping, I get so much more from it.
Today, what popped out to me was this verse about loving and honoring each other. After thinking about this, I had a vision of what it would look like and, most importantly, how rarely it's actually lived out. What does it look like to live this out and really love others? The funny thing is, it's not that hard to understand. The hard part for us is actually doing it.
We've covered this before, but it starts with actively being a part of each other's lives. Being close like this lets us see when others are celebrating or overwhelmed. Share in these moments by celebrating victories with them, even if your week is going poorly or you are struggling. Sharing in the good moments is great, but where I feel truly honoring and loving each other is put to the test is showing up in the bad.
Life is hard, and we slip and fall often. Offering practical help is so important and appreciated. Bring over a meal, run an errand, or help clean up instead of just saying, "Let me know if you need anything." Christian love in action is more action and fewer words.
One area that really makes a big difference is gossip. If you're going to speak about someone behind their back, have their back. Defend people's reputations when they are not in the room to defend themselves. Honoring each other is the type of love the Lord modeled for us.
Move past the small talk at church and check in on each other throughout the week. Showing your brothers and sisters that you actually listened to them on Sunday and want to see how they are doing is really encouraging. Christian love in action is checking in.
As leaders of our churches and families, we are called to lead from the bottom. This means doing the thankless jobs or the unseen work because it allows others to enter into a place of worship without distractions. This is a very practical example of Christian love in action.
Where is the Lord calling you to improve?
Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen
Romans 12:12-16
[12] Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. [13] When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. [15] Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. [16] 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!
