Enjoy Life, Enjoy God
LOVE #1
November 14, 2011
1 Corinthians 13 is often dubbed the great love passage, and of course, it's powerful. However, "love" as often used in our day means "be nice," and it's little more than a sappy sentiment than a life-changing reality. Romans 12 might be labelled "the even greater love passage!"
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
--Romans 12:9-13 TNIV
"Love must be sincere." But someone protests, "My love is sincere." Not unless you see the actions, the love in action above. That is real love, and more than being nice or a sappy sentiment.
What if we were to focus on just one of these goals each day, maybe each week, or even each month, and see if in Christ's power, our love truly can become sincere. Oh, by the way, Paul's just getting warmed up about love, that's just Part #1.
Joyfully,
Dale Patterson