Practical Advice for Living

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Love is more than an emotion or feeling good someone or something. It isn’t unsteady or fickle. It hates evil and holds fast to that which is good. It puts others above yourself and is devoted to their well being, sharing with those in need. It looks for ways to serve. As Christians, we are not to be nonchalant but passionate about our service to the Lord. We endure and don’t give up in times of difficulty for our joy comes from our assurance that God’s promises are true and that God hears and answers our prayers.

Paul’s words to us provide practical application for daily living as a child of God. It isn’t enough to say “I love you”, we show it through our action of putting others before ourselves. Our love for the Lord reveals itself in our daily commitment to serve Him and to carry out His purposes. When tempted to give up on days of trial or difficulty we “hold on” and rely on His Word and find joy in knowing that He is near and hears our prayer. We seek out opportunities to share with others rather than waiting for them to seek us out!

Lord, I need Your Spirit to fill my heart today as I make plans, for my tendency is to ‘think’ of me-first. I pray that You will show me what Your purpose is for my life today and enable me to be flexible so that I will be able to put others before myself as this day unfolds. May I live this day with the knowledge that You have something for me to do today which very well may have eternal consequences for those around me. Amen!