Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21, NRSV)
Don’t pretend to love others, actually love them.
And what does that mean? How do we love another?
Help them to see God’s love for them?
Tell them all the things that are wrong in their lives?
Point out all the reasons they are going to hell?
What did Jesus do to the woman at the well? or the woman caught in adultery?
He asked them about their lives and told them to go and sin no more. He didn’t point out all of their faults. He told them that they were loved as they are and that they need to focus their lives on God.
He did not focus on the wrong. He moved above it and loved them.
So love others. Just as Jesus loved you.
aSacredRebel 