Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
When is it harder to practice love, when you are hurt by someone close to you or by an acquaintance? Why?
Loving Father, I love to be loved. It is easy to accept the love from others. It feels really good. But I am not so good at loving others, especially when I am hurt by them. My response is not loving. Often I move away from the situation to avoid getting hurt further. Especially when it is someone who I am close to. You were hurt by my sin but instead of moving away, You forgave me. You have never turned Your back on me but demonstrated Your sacrificial love on the cross. Jesus, You are the example for how to love. I know that I can’t control others actions and reactions, but help me to control my own. Instead of mistreating anyone who mistreats me, or try to get even, let me trust You to handle the situation. Lord I need to grow in patience. Let me earn the respect of others and live at peace with others. Open my eyes to see the needs of others and respond accordingly. Help me to act toward people in ways that help them experience more of Your goodness. Strengthen my faith so that I never give up, but eagerly follow Your Holy Spirit as I serve You. Amen