Introduction

Good morning, family. Today we're diving into Paul's letter to the Romans. We'll be exploring Romans 12:9-21, a passage that calls us to a life of love, genuine hospitality, and harmony with others.

As R.C. Sproul once said, "In the New Testament, love is more of a verb than a noun. It has more to do with acting than with feeling. The call to love is not so much a call to a certain state of feeling as it is to a quality of action." Sometimes, it's in the midst of our deepest struggles that we learn to love more profoundly, show authentic hospitality, and live in harmony with those around us.

Let me share these powerful words from the Apostle Paul:

Living a Life of Love

Living a life of love, as Paul instructs in his letter to the Romans, is a multifaceted endeavor that requires us to approach every interaction and every situation with a heart full of sincere love. This is not a superficial or fleeting emotion, but a deep, abiding love that reflects the love God has for us. It is a love that is genuine, selfless, and enduring, a love that seeks the good of others above our own.

An action: Love is a conscious choice to put the needs and well-being of others before our own. It is a commitment to serve, to give, and to sacrifice, just as Christ did for us. This kind of love is not easy, and it often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. It may mean giving up our time, our resources, or even our rights for the sake of others. But it is in these moments of self-sacrifice that we truly embody the love of Christ.

Hating what is evil and clinging to what is good: This is not a call to hate people, but rather, to hate the sin that separates us from God and from each other. It is a call to stand against injustice, oppression, and all forms of evil, and to champion truth, righteousness, and goodness. It is a call to be discerning, to reject the ways of the world, and to cling to the ways of God.

Being devoted to one another: This means cultivating deep, meaningful relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It means supporting each other, encouraging each other, and carrying each other's burdens. It means being there for each other in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of triumph and in times of defeat. It means honoring each other, respecting each other, and valuing each other, just as God values each one of us.

Never lacking in zeal and keeping our spiritual fervor as we serve the Lord: This means being passionate about our faith, about our relationship with God, and about our mission to love and serve others. It means being enthusiastic in our worship, in our prayer, and in our service. It means being fervent in spirit, always on fire for God, always eager to do His work, and always ready to share His love with others.

Not a passive endeavor: It is an active, dynamic, and ongoing journey that requires us to constantly examine our hearts, our attitudes, and our actions. It requires us to constantly strive to be more like Christ, to constantly seek to love as He loved, and to constantly aim to serve as He served.

Demonstrating Genuine Hospitality

Demonstrating genuine hospitality is not simply about inviting people into our homes, but about inviting them into our lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO