RomansSample

Love One Another

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law – Rom 13: 8

Every Christian is a representative of God’s love here on earth. Our love for each other is not a quid pro quo, where we repay what we receive, but it is a continuing debt. This means we should be actively looking for opportunities to express love. So how do we do this? We can look to Romans 12 for ideas: 

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Rom 12: 10) – Have you noticed how we tend to compare everyone with ourselves and judge them if they make choices that we would not have? The way they raise their children, the clothes they wear, their financial decisions, the list goes on. When we honor one another we stop judging each other over petty issues but live with mutual respect. 

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Rom 12: 13) – We should be alert to needs around us. These need not always be financial. We could use the skills God has given us to provide a meal, babysit children, or help someone prepare for an exam or a job interview. When we practice hospitality, we keep our homes open and calendars flexible. It requires us to be willing to put aside our plans for the day when somebody needs our time. 

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Rom 12: 15) – We show love when we spend time with people, sharing in their joys and sorrows. Join in when people celebrate birthdays, weddings, or a new home. Visit families who have lost loved ones or are dealing with difficult diagnoses. This also gives us the opportunity to see how we can help in their time of difficulty.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Rom 12: 16) – Who do we spend time with? We tend to gravitate towards people who are like us, or who are generally popular. But Paul says we should be willing to associate with people of low position. Not just the popular, but the socially awkward, or the ones nobody else seems to be interested in. God’s love does not differentiate.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom 12: 21) – So does actively demonstrating love mean that we will always be loved and welcomed warmly? By no means! As long as we are in a fallen world, we will experience hurt and misunderstanding. But when we are hurt, we take a deep breath and respond with love, not anger. We overcome evil with good.

So, how do you choose to express God’s love today?