Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:9-13
The supreme New Testament virtue love centers completely on the needs and welfare of the one loved and does whatever necessary to meet those needs. Paul emphasizes Let love be without hypocrisy—Meaning let it be not a put on, or act, but let it be genuine. Christian love is to be shown purely and sincerely, without self-centeredness or guile. Abhor what is evil—The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (Proverbs 8:13). One of the things God said of Job is that he hates evil. He said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? He fears God and hates evil.” (Job 1:8) The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, so we should abhor that which is evil. And at the same time Cling to what is good—Cleave, stick to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another—To be devoted to other Christians with a family sort of love is so greatly needed in the church today. A love for the brethren that is not based on any personal attraction or desirability, nor is it of a covetous nature. Others centered love enables a primary way for the world to see Christ’ life and love in believers. It is a way to show genuine appreciation and admiration for fellow believers by putting them first in Christ’s name.
Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord—Whatever is worth doing in the Christian life is valuable enough to be done with enthusiasm and care: For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.(Hebrews 6:10-12) The unbelieving world will take notice when genuine Christian love is being shown to all people, all we can do is give God our best, and leave the rest of its outcome in His hands. For slothful work, or indifference not only prevent good, but allow evil to prosper. Fervent in spirit—Literally means “to boil in spirit,” This phrase suggests having plenty of heat to produce adequate productive energy, and yet it is self-controlled. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he only knew the baptism of John. (Acts 18:25) This was a great example of how a person (in this case, Apollos) can be taught the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, share the things he has learned, though not all of its meaning be fully known to him.
Rejoicing in hope—Of Christ’s return and ultimate redemption is our hope as believers. One day God will call His church home. And we will be caught upto be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17). For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.(1 Thessalonians 5:9-10) Awesome promise from God, that whether being physically alive or have died in faith, we will one day live together with our Savior Jesus Christ who died for us as the substitute for our sins. Patient in tribulation—A word used for pressure, like that of a press squeezing the fluid from olives or grapes. Here they’re referring to not the normal pressures of everyday living, but the inevitable troubles that come to followers of Christ because of their relationship to Him. Steadfastly in prayer—One of the benefits of Christian fiery trials is in a developed prayer life that becomes stronger with testing of our faith. Our prayer life becomes less superficial and more real to what our real needs are. Take a look at the Psalms, see some of the most heart felt prayers of David, when he was being tormented by his enemies. Quite indeed eye opening as what God would have us to also be like, when we come to Him in prayer.
Distributing to the needs, given to hospitality—The word distributingis from a Greek word that means “Commonality, partnership, or mutual sharing,” which often translated “fellowship,” and “communion.” Where given to hospitality—Literally means “pursuing the love of strangers” Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.(Hebrews 13:2) Hospitality in the ancient world often included putting up a guest overnight or longer. In the New Testament traveling was dangerous, but fellow believers have the commonality with Christ, and thus often shared their home and food. With God calling us to real sincere genuine love, Christian hospitality differs from that of social status, or economic background. It focuses on the guest and their primary needs. It doesn’t matter whether its with a banquet of food, or a can of soup, whether there is ample room or not, it’s all in the attitude of genuine Christian love that honors the Lord, by allowing our often meager resources to bless others.
Beloved friend, Our world is in great need of Christian hospitality. How can we show them the love of Christ today? Look to the Lord and ask Him to show you someone whom you might be able to bless. It will truly make a difference in your world.
May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!
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