"Love in Action" - Lessons from Romans

In this episode, Mallory digs into Romans 12:9-13 to unpack the perspective-shifting treasures the passage holds. How do we live and love like Jesus in the middle of a broken world? “Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity.” (C.S Lewis)Romans 12:9-13Persistent theme: “The need for a humble and peaceable attitude toward others, whether fellow Christians or non-Christians."Verse 9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”The original Greek  means “not playing a part” Love is not simply a matter of emotion, but instead a matter of the will. “Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul” (Ellen White) “We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. It denotes a deliberate choice of, a sincere affection for, and a constant perseverance in, that which is good.” (Henry Commentary) In this chapter, Paul is focusing on our responsibility as christians to “live a life of love in the midst of a fallen world.” (Moo pg. 84) I can’t be FAITHFUL and CYNICAL at the same time. Verse 10-  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.Honor means A high internal attitude of respect, courtesy, or esteem for.How often do we willingly yield to our brothers and sisters as a way of showing honor to them? Our honor of others cannot be conditional or based on reciprocity."We have to remember that the only person qualified to throw a stone- didn’t."We often judge others by their impact but judge ourselves by our intentions. Verse 11- “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”Zeal: “a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way” (Erik Raymond) “Do not slack in your faithfulness and hard work…”- It’s good to consider, have I been slacking in my faithfulness? Verse 12- “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”We rejoice in HOPE - not in circumstances or outcomes.Patient: “denotes not a passive putting up with things, but an active, steadfast endurance.” (Morris) “Some virtues are seen only in affliction.” (Webster) Suffering is inevitable, Joy & hope amidst suffering is not.God cares for us holistically. “We can continue to spend all of our energy fighting the waves or we can choose to adjust our sails.” Its a posture of patience amid trials.  CS Lewis quote- “We ought to give thanks for all fortune; if it is good, because it is good, if bad- because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”Verse 13- Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.Mother Theresa quote - “God gives us things to share, He doesn’t give us things to hold.”“consume less, share better.”Great tragedy of aloneness in our societyThere is an immense need for the Spirit’s intervention if we are to live Christian lives…  F. S. Fitzgerald — 'I hope you live a life you're proud of. And if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”Support the showThank you so much for supporting the show. Check out our website or follow us Instagram!