Devotion:
Read Romans 12:9-18.
This is what life guided by the Holy Spirit looks like. It begins with love. Not a superficial love but a love that goes beyond pretense and politeness. We are called to a real and sincere love that requires a concerted effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. As Christ followers we honor people because they have been created in God’s image, they are our brothers and sisters in Christ and because they have a unique contribution to make to God’s kingdom.
Hospitality is also a form of love. This kind of hospitality is different from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host - the home must be spotless, the food well prepared and abundant, etc. However, hospitality focuses on the guests. Their needs - whether for a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or acceptance - are the primary concern. Hospitality can happen in a messy home. It can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is a can of soup. Don’t hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain.
Forgiveness is the apex of love. If we love the way Christ loves us, we will be willing to forgive. If we have experienced God’s grace, we will want to pass it on to others. By loving our enemies we’re not excusing their misdeeds. We’re recognizing them, forgiving them, and loving them in spite of their sins - just as Christ did for us.
Personal Worship Option:
God desires that you surrender every part of your life to him so that others will experience the love of God through you. Who do you need to love today?
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