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“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.” (Romans 12:9-13, ESV)

Pastor Skyler’s sermon on this passage is titled "Live Like You Mean It".

It is telling that this list of instructions begins with, “Let love be genuine.” This fundamental command sets the tone for the others.

The first key is in the word love. All of the instructions in the list have love at their center, from hating evil (because we love what is good), to contributing to the needs of others out of love.

Secondly, our love is to be genuine, not fake or transactional, or merely done for show. A Christian’s love for others comes from a transformed heart, not worldly behavior modification.

This is also seen in how Jesus said that love, for both God and others, is central to obeying God: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40, ESV)

 This love is only possible through the gospel, not through mere human effort. We must constantly dwell on God’s love for us, so that we will overflow with love back to God and to others (1 John 4:7-12).

 

Questions

  • Which of these eleven instructions is hardest for you?
  • Which have you had more success with?
  • What should our attitude be toward sin and why?
  • What can we do to be more loving toward others this week?
  • How can we fight against being fake in our love?