May our love be sincere...

Paul emphasizes love as our main responsibility within the Church of Christ.  Whether it is our love for the Lord, fellow-believers, my neighbour or even my “enemy” – our love must be sincere and genuine.

If love is faked it consists of empty words and we must take care that “our deeds do not speak so loudly that others cannot hear our words of love”.

Romans 12: 9 “Avoid what whatever is evil; cling to whatever is good.”

Whenever Paul thinks of the faith community (or congregation), he teaches that they are a family in the Lord.

Romans 12:10 says:  Be devoted to one another in family love. Honour one another above yourselves.

We have one Father. The bond that unites the members of the family in the Lord has pre-eminence to any other bond or loyalty. The members of the “Christ-family” should do all in their power to be and remain devoted to each other in tender affection.

This family affection implies compassion, unity, peace, support, faithful worship and respect –especially for the sake of “those who are of the household of faith”. (Gal 6:10).

But we know from 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 8 that “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Jesus-love is our standard and Jesus’ love our example!