How To Love

Romans 12: 9-13

Let love be without hypocrisy. 

Real love will be without pretension, unfeigned, sincere. 

Let's see how we are to do this:

Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 

These are opposites: we are to view evil with extreme aversion, but hang on to what is good. 

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; 

We are to be "kindly affectioned" toward one another with family loyalty.

give preference to one another in honor; 

We are to value each other with highest esteem and dignity before ourselves. 

not lagging behind in diligence, 

Or, "not slothful in business." We are to respect others enough to not be lazy in our own responsibilities, putting more work onto them, in the business or in the family or in the church.  

fervent in spirit, 

To be on fire spiritually. 

serving the Lord; 

Let us view all our relationships and dealings with others as in service to the Lord, growing His Kingdom.  

rejoicing in hope, 

The hope of rewards forever, in the presence of our Lord Himself. 

persevering in tribulation, 

Patiently persevering through all the troubles and trials that come in life. 

devoted to prayer, 

Or, "continuing instant in prayer." Always pray about everything, be in constant conversation with our Father, discussing everything with Him and listening to His advice, continually.

contributing to the needs of the saints, 

Never forget about the poor, or the missionaries, or the ministries that uphold one another. 

practicing hospitality. 

Always have open hearts and open doors. 

O my Father, teach us how to love You by loving one another. Let the love we show for each other show the World how much You Love us all. 

Father, we all need to learn more how to love as You have Loved us. We will never in this life be fully able to demonstrate Your Royal character; not until You have finished Your work in us, and changed these flesh bodies into spiritual bodies. 

And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is our Christ, the Lord God Almighty, King of the Universe, to the eternal glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!