Trustworthy Love

https://odb.org/MY/2022/06/20/trustworthy-love

Romans 12:9-21 is another exposition on love by Paul eventhough I think most of us are more familiar with 1 Corinthians 13. The slant appears to be the love that we should have as we serve God together in church and in ministry. To hate what is evil and cling to what is good. To be devoted with one another. To keep up our spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Sharing with God’s people who are in need and practice hospitality. It goes on to exhort us to bless those who persecute us and not curse them. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone and do not repay evil with evil and if possible live in harmony and at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge but leave that to God.

There is a lot in Romans 12:9-21 but note that it is grounded in sincerity. Love must first be sincere. Sincere in the sense that it is honest, genuine and real. Not make believe or a show. Not just a mask or to pay lip service. When love is real and sincere and God driven, it is unlikely that we will betray the ones we love. We will instead stand firm with them. Stand on their side in times of need. We will always want to do the right thing, do the honourable thing. We will place the needs of others above ourselves. Our love is hence trustworthy.

Ultimately, in ministry and church, our love has got to be real and genuine. The world looks up to us and at us. The devil looks to us to punch holes in our testimony. We must always be on guard to make sure our love is trustworthy, that others can depend on us.

Let’s all serve God together in love and harmony with the peace of God enveloping us as we minister to one another and reach out to others around us. Live in peace and harmony. Live responsibly, always doing what is right and do not repay evil with evil but pray for and bless those who are against us. Good sense will prevail eventually and in the end, I believe we will achieve much, much more for God if we are united and serve in sincere and trustworthy love!