9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12
True love for God and His people cannot coexist with evil, they’re mutually exclusive. The second part of the verse describes our ongoing struggle with evil. God has given everyone free will to choose how we will live and we’re told we must exert our will and resist sin. In a sense the Christian must, ‘swim against the current’ in this world. The flesh, the world and the devil will always try and drag us down to their level, but we must exercise our will and resist the pull of sin. When Christ spoke to the seven churches in Revelation He told all of them, without exception, that they had to overcome in their individual situations. The blessings are promised for those who persevere and overcome in this life.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Romans 12
The next part of this scripture is about how we behave towards those around us. Love never exists in a vacuum. We face many tests here and a major part of this will be showing this love to those we meet in this life. The same section goes on to expand how we as Believers should behave towards toward others;
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (DON’T REACT THE WAY OTHERS DO!) 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. (ALSO MEANS, BE WILLING TO DO MENIAL WORK, TO SERVE) Do not be conceited. Romans 12
This scripture also gives some encouraging guidance on how the Believer should respond in different circumstances.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, 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. Practise hospitality.
The Believer must keep on serving the Lord despite everything we face on this earth. Trials strengthen our faith and enable us to grow in our walk with the Lord. God always wants us to grow and overcome in our trials, but the devil wants us to fail. We learn to lean most heavily upon the Lord and His Grace in our lives during times of adversity.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1
The Lord strengthen His people to look to Him and overcome in every situation that we face. Hallelujah
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.