Read: Romans 12
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (v. 10)
Is love a word we use too superficially? We say, “I love ice cream,” “I love playing pickleball,” or “I love that shirt.” Biblical love is defined well in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. After reading that passage, consider the depth of love that God has shown to you and wants you to show to others. In fact, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 again and this time replace the words love and it with your first name. That exercise reminds us how challenging it is to truly love.
The good news is that God not only models love, ultimately at the cross; but he also helps us love one another through the power of the Holy Spirit. Such love involves sacrifice and service. Rather than “what’s in it for me,” selfless love strives to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10).
This is the kind of love that Philippians 2:1-4 invites us to exercise: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
As you pray, thank God for his love and ask him to help you truly love others.
Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Directors.
