Jesus said, "A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Love for one another is to be expressed in very practical and tangible ways that prove we are seeking the highest good of the other person over the interest of self. --- People were made for relationships. The Bible tells us the two most important relationships we will have in this life are with God and with people. Being a Christian should have a positive impact on all our relationships. In Romans 12, we find a summary of the whole of the Christian life and the intended effect being a Christian should have on our relationship with God and others. Throughout the Romans 12 series, we will discover what a life of truly following Jesus looks like.
Romans 12:9-16 ESV
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
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1. Genuine Love
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Romans 12:9 ESV
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
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John 13:34-35 ESV
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
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2. Qualities of Genuine Love
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Romans 12:10 ESV
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
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Affection
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Honor
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1 Corinthians 12:11 ESV
11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
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Passion
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Romans 12:12 ESV
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
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Patient
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Romans 12:13 ESV
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
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Generosity
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Hospitality
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Romans 12:14 ESV
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
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Graciousness
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Romans 12:15 ESV
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
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Sympathy
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Romans 12:16 ESV
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
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Harmony
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Application:
Love is the selfless giving of oneself for the benefit or highest good of the other person.