Paul says that, as God’s children (Romans 8:16), the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). Did you ever ask yourself the question, “What does that love look like?”
Well, it would be the height of arrogance to think that I can explain that in a bulletin devotional, but I can say that what we are studying today is in part what the love of God looks like when it is put into action within our church family. It is without any pretense; it is sincere and honest. But it is a love that wages an intense war against evil and the ill effects that go along with it.
It is a love that seeks to elevate others and decrease personally. It is a love that is kind and affectionate. It is a love that is filled with zeal in the service of the Lord Jesus. It is a love that rejoices in the Lord, is patient when times are tough, and knows how to continue in prayer when all hope seems lost. It is a love that helps those in need and uses home as a hospital for those who need ministering to (Romans 12:9-13).
This love is not the American way of independence and individuality. This love is Christ-centered (2 Corinthians 5:14), Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:18), and Father-honoring (1 Peter 4:11). In short, it is not flesh-friendly at all!
May the practical things that we learn today be the statement of faith that we live out realistically in our church family and in our personal lives as well.
