No it’s Tuesday, but during my Bible reading this morning I thought of a song from college ensemble days. I’ve done a little searching for it, but haven’t seen anything that looks like the song.

The lyrics were a direct quote from Jesus in John 15:12-13 (NIV). “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

The melody and harmonies of this song continue to play through my mind. But without the message of love, this song would just be another song.

I believe that is the message Paul shared with the Romans in chapter 12. There is a section from verse 9 to verse 21 on how they were to live and how love was to be integrated into every part of their lives. As followers of Christ, we are to adopt this lifestyle as well.

Paul begins this section with the importance of living a life that is genuine, honest, and heartfelt. “Love must be sincere.” (Romans 12:9 – NIV) Without this element, the remaining words in these verses are pointless. Love cannot exist where there is wrong motive, selfishness, or revenge. Our love for others must be pure and earnest, just as Jesus said it should be.

From these four little words, Paul continues to share other characteristics that when joined with love makes a difference in our world. Let’s take a look at them.

We are to:

Hate what is evil (v. 9)

Cling to what is good (v. 9)

Be devoted to one another (v. 10)

Honor one another (v. 10)

Be zealous (v. 11)

Be joyful in hope (v. 12)

Be patient in affliction (v. 12)

Be faithful in prayer (v. 12)

Share (v. 13)

Practice hospitality (v. 13)

Bless those who persecute us (v. 14)

Rejoice with those who rejoice (v. 15)

Mourn with those who mourn (v. 15)

Live in harmony with one another (v. 16)

Not live with pride or conceit (v. 16)

Not repay evil for evil (v. 17)

Be careful to do what is right (v. 17)

Live at peace with everyone (v. 18)

Not take revenge (v. 19)

Overcome evil with good (v. 21)

Quite the list. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by this task of loving others. Jesus’ words continue to play through my mind. Love that is willing to lay down life for another is indeed a greater love than we can muster on our own. Oh perhaps we would be willing to do so for someone we love, but what about our enemies?

Jesus showed us how to love others. Paul shared practical actions of how we can show love toward others. And yet, at times it can be so difficult.

Today I am going to ask you (and myself) to choose one of the areas listed above and live it out. Just one element. Make a conscious effort all day long to do that one thing with everyone you come in contact with. See if it might make a difference. If your motive is pure and your actions are right, Jesus’ love will shine through you.

I believe as we liv our lives in this way, we will make a difference in this world. But where the real difference and change will take place is in our hearts. When we allow God’s Spirit to lead and guide us through our loving, we are transformed into people living as Jesus did.

Are you up for it? I am. If you join me on this exercise I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what happened. Who knows? Today may go so well that tomorrow you may choose another element to live out.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.