Romans 12:9-21, A Sermon on Love

Romans 12:9-21  New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Perhaps the major focus of the sermon was on the element of sacrifice in our love for one another.  If we love our fellow man we will sacrifice in some form for those around us.  Far too often we profess love for someone or something, but we are reluctant or unwilling to perform the sacrifice necessary to cultivate that loving relationship.

I don't have much time this week and I need to rush off and do a hospital visitation so I will just leave you all with that thought.

If we truly love our Lord, if we truly love our Lord's creation, if we truly love our Lord's people... have we shown it through sacrifice of time, money, talent or some other fashion...

If not, perhaps today is the day to begin... you can do so very easily by this simple act...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Love,
Roy