October 2, 2024

Romans 12:9-21  (HCSB)
Christian Ethics
9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

Susan Jones
I feel like the first verse (v. 9) of this passage pretty well sums up the message it is sending...“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” Ouch! That stings every time I have read it before and now. It is underlined in my Bible, yet I don’t do it consistently. Really loving others costs me something –time, money, worry, sorrow, sweat, pain, forgiveness, pride, etc. I’m often way too selfish and don’t take the time to inconvenience my life to help someone that is hurting. It’s especially hard if they aren’t kind or have been mean to me or someone I love. But REALLY LOVING someone hurts -it costs me something and it needs to be done with nothing expected in return. Go out today and REALLY love someone even when it’s not convenient or easy. It will help make our sacrifice of ourselves much more pleasing to God.