Romans 12:9-10, 16
“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. 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!”
These verses are rich with practicality for how we can and should live as followers of Jesus. We see three ‘one another's’ – love one another, honor one another, and live in harmony with one another. We are to, in equal measure, hate what is evil and hold to what is good. Never, ever should we get to the point where we feel we are better than anyone and, therefore, not be willing to associate with them.
Respond in Prayer
God, help me to know how to live these verses out! Help me to know how I can genuinely love my brothers and sisters, especially those who may not look like me, through my actions. Help me to know what you hate and what you love and to follow suit. Humble me so that I can see the work of justice that needs to be done around me and then give me the strength to get to work doing it. Grant me wisdom to live out these one anothers each and every day Lord. May I not be complacent or grow weary in doing the good you have called me to do as a member of the body of Christ. For further learning: watch this video with Bryan Stevenson and Tim Keller.
For Families with Kids at Home
How can you and your family set an example for those around you as you love people, hate what is wrong, and hold tightly to what is good? How can you, together, love with genuine affection and live in harmony with others? Take one step today to do for others as a family.