Love Be's

In this month of February, our hearts are drawn toward LOVE! We have a certain holiday in the middle of the month that focuses our attention on relationships. There is a passage in the Bible that also promotes LOVE and relationships. In Romans 12:9-21 we read,

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly 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 God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

You will notice that there are 5 Love Be’s that are highlighted in these verses. We are encouraged to follow these Love Be’s as we interact with those around us. We might summarize them in the following ways:

Be Sincere –be genuine in your love for one another; keep your moral compass going in the right direction (vs. 9)

Be Devoted – respect each other, putting yourself in a position of humility as you serve one another (vs. 10-11)

Be Joyful – maintain a positive attitude even in the midst of trials; keep bringing your requests into the throne room; be generous with others; be flexible in your responses toward those around you, sometimes you will laugh and other times you will cry (vs. 12-15)

Be Willing – humble and open to associate with others who are different from you; look for opportunities to serve (vs. 16)

Be Careful – make sure that your integrity is intact; let God be God in handling difficult situations, He will avenge the wrongs; be at peace with everyone (vs. 17-21)