Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Love First is a noble concept. It’s also one of those things that talks a lot easier than it lives. Quite frankly, it does seem that no one can push your buttons quite as quickly as someone you’re related to or who knows you really well. It’s then that this concept of Love First becomes challenging. This group of family and close friends that you already love? They are the ones most difficult to maintain the Love First way of life with. Family has seen you at your absolute best...and your absolute worst.
Romans 12:9-18
Most of us have learned how to pretend to love others—how to speak kindly, how to avoid hurting their feelings, and how to appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to feel moved with compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond pretense and politeness. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement.
Today, we honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and the contributions he made with his lifestyle of Love First. He constantly challenged people to live better and more honestly. He encouraged others to view the people around them in a “love your neighbor” kind of way. He advocated peaceful community. Not everyone appreciated that—even if they were convinced he was right.
There are times when “going through the motions” can jump-start us into living in a Love First way. But it takes a conscious decision to respond to others in that way because Jesus loved us that way. We have to take ourselves out of the way and put our own wants aside. Simple? Yes. Easy? No way.
Your Mission
Who’s the most loving person in your family? Your most loving friend? Consider why they are the most loving toward you?
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