Devotion:
Read Romans 12:14-21.
Our passage today is a practical “how-to” guide on God-like love. Paul demonstrates that love is an action, not an emotion. He tells us we can love those who are unlovely and unlovable if we love as God loves. We can even love our enemy or persecutor. Paul’s thesis is simple: Love without action is not love. He calls on us to bless and rejoice with others.
- “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
The Greek word for “bless” (eulogeo) means “to speak well of a person.” This requires incredible self-control and grace. It’s hard in our politically charged climate to respond with love to those who hate us, and with goodness to those who do evil to us. But that’s the message from Paul.
- “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who mourn.”
The world is becoming more and more callous, more and more indifferent. As Christians we are to be sensitive to those around us.
Finally, Paul reminds us not to do evil against those who personally harm us but to overwhelm them with good and leave all vengeance and judgment to God.
This “how-to” guide on God-like love is perhaps best seen in a recent televised example. When a young woman was sentenced to ten years for killing his brother, a young man spoke an eloquent statement of forgiveness and asked permission to hug the woman. Their embrace sent a message to the world that demonstrated the power of love and forgiveness. Our politically toxic world needs more God-like love.
Personal Worship Option:
Who in your world needs for you to demonstrate God-like love today?
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