Romans 12:9-21
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you well heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
My bible has this passage labeled as "Marks of the true Christian." So, how are you doing? I don't know about you, but I'm shamed when I read this passage. How far I fall! My pastor was going over the idea a few weeks ago about letting love be genuine. And that idea has stuck in my head, I've noticed more when my love is being "fake" in a way. Where I'll act loving, but only because I know God wants me to, not out of a desire to really be loving. And I'll tell you what, blessing those who persecute you sure is tough. Though I wonder if it's considered persecution if they treat you wrong just because their mean, not because of my faith. However, feeding your "enemy" pretty much would include mean people. (Has anyone ever read that last part and inside found secret satisfaction in being nice to your enemy for the idea of "heaping coals on their head?" I know, this is really showing my heart.)
Like I said, I fall far. Reminds me of Phil. 3:13-14 -Straining forward toward the goal. (paraphrase) And with a promise like 1 Cor. 10:13 -No temptation that He hasn't provided a way to escape, it's hard not to feel confident that the Lord can help me.
So, praying for me and you, that we can have genuine love through Christ to bless others.
God bless
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Let love be genuine
Posted by Rachel at 12:43 PM
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3 comments:
I didn't like this post at all! No way! Too convicting! :)
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I definetly need work in this area!
When are you coming up?
Hopefully the weekend of May 15th. That Thursday -Saturday. Let me know what day might work well for a get together. Or maybe you should let my mom know, because I think she may be planning something.
Oh Rach, I love the transparency of your heart! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Without realizing it, you open a little window for us to observe your spirit and to praise God for the spiritual growth, although not always evident to you, is very much so to us who love you and pray for your regularly.
My first inclination was to think that you are being too hard on yourself, but realized immediately that the prompting which comes from the Holy Spirit is very precious and to be valued above everything and the heart that is responsive is a heart that is growing and honoring God.
"Be imitators of God... and walk in love" Eph 5:12
GS
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