Summer Fruit Devotion: Love Day 3

Genuine Love

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:9-18

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:8-10

From the day Cain killed his brother Abel humanity has struggled with love. Why do we think anyone is less deserving of love than we are? Paul tells us to “let love be genuine” and then spends a lot of words describing exactly what we can do for each other to show that “brotherly affection.” Honor, serve, give, show hospitality, bless, rejoice, weep, make peace. Because of God’s love for us we owe each other genuine love. 

Journal time.

Is anyone persecuting you for your faith? What can you do to bless them?

Who has been blessed? Are you jealous? How can you rejoice with them instead?

Do you know someone going through loss, depression or anxiety? Can you take some time to pray for them, text them some encouragement, take them a meal, hold their hand and cry with them?

Who do you have relationship conflict with? Pray about setting aside your pride and ask God what steps you can take toward making peace.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, there is so much evil in our world. Help us to shine the light of your love with genuine hearts. Help us not to be complacent and lazy but “fervent in spirit.” Give us your heart of rejoicing and your eyes of compassion in a way that moves us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to open our homes and serve with honor and gladness. In the humble and peaceful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.