Romans 12:9-16
Paul continues in these verses with his discussion of our response to grace. Here, he sets the tone with verse 9: Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Our response to God’s grace must be one of love, both love for God and love for others, and this love must be sincere. It is interesting that Paul should modify this sincere love statement with the concept of hating what is evil and clinging to what is good; it would appear that in our sincere love, we are to maintain the highest of ethical standards, not allowing ourselves to misuse our new freedom.
So then, what does love in action look like in practice?
Paul begins shedding light on this question in the verses that follow, first of all with an emphasis on what we should do to put love into action:
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves (12:10). Because our response to grace is that we love others, we should be devoted to one another, and we should put others ahead of ourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (12:11). Because our response to grace is that we love God, we should serve Him with enthusiasm always. Because our response to grace is one of love, our attitudes should reflect that love for God and other people: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (12:12). Since we have a whole new attitude because of the grace we have received, our love should result in generosity toward other people: Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality (12:13).
Many commentators refer to this section as the “Law of Christ” but at least for me, it doesn’t really read that way; I highly doubt that Paul is intending to give us a list of rules that we check off as we go. Instead, I think he is simply pointing out some no brainers as if to say that since we love God and love others, these are the natural kinds of things that should follow. In the next three verses, his emphasis shifts slightly, but he is still speaking of sincere love:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 12:14-16
As we read these verses, notice that they are not things that are common in this world. I’ve never met someone who blessed their oppressors, for instance; have you? I don’t always see people rejoicing with their friends who are rejoicing, for all too often a person sees their friend rejoicing while harboring resentment because their friend was fortunate in an area where they hadn’t been as fortunate. Harmony is surely lacking in our world, while pride and conceit are commonplace; and so many decline to associate with the less fortunate. Real sincere love is a very rare thing in our world, but within the church, it is supposed to be a given.
In fact, the apparent lack of love in some church bodies is a sore subject for many people. Some of them complain loudly and criticize bitterly about the lack of love in this or that church, some even leave church entirely because of it. While on the one hand I might be inclined to feel for such people, on the other hand, after going through these verses, I can’t help thinking that they aren’t exhibiting love either. Thus, I’ll add a response to grace that Paul alluded to in verse 14, but hasn’t mentioned yet by name: Sincere love requires quite a lot of forgiveness, for all of us are works in progress!
Life Project Blog 
I left church Nov 2006, have daily fellowship with others and a minute-to-minute relationship with Jesus. I left at His command, not my own decision, either.
I am so sorry to hear that. My prayer is that in His time, He will lead you to the congregation He wants you to be in.
He does not want me in one. Don’t you see it? Church period is over. Jesus wants to return and we must BE the church of Acts again. None of the Babylon corporate churches. Instead, in Queens, the underground church of Queens, in Harlem, the underground church of Harlem, in Bev Hills, the underground church of Bev Hills.
As I am writing here, my heart is gripped with anguish as I see what is coming but the people have little or no understanding.
So then, wouldn’t the underground church, like in Acts, be a congregation?
Yes but it would cover the suburb and not be divided. His church is fragmented into 47,000 and counting. I say in love: wake up to reality, see what is happening as predicted.
Forgive me if I am slow to comprehend, but are you saying that these 47,000 divisions are His church, or that they’ve left Him entirely? The reason that I ask is that we don’t push any denominational agendas here, but rather stress Christian unity. Have you found unity out there somewhere?
They are divided. They are so because they cannot agree on doctrine. Read Jer 7, Ezekiel 9, John 4, Rev 18:4.
Church, as we know it, was never ordained by Him.
I think I get the picture, thanks.
Sorry if I sounded abrupt. Have terrible high blood pressure, cannot think straight. Also cannot see all of your replies on my phone, only first lines.
No worries 🙂 I hope you’re feeling better!
I always like to look at these as Principles of Jesus instead of rules or commands. It is the right way to live.
I had once years ago a boss over me in the Army that was out to get me, yet I could not prove it. As I was going through an extremely difficult time dealing with it, a chaplain gave me some good advice: pray blessings over her, that God would honor, bless and favor her (even though she was not a believer). I did that, though it was tough. It helped change my perspective and immediately things changed. Higher authorities realized that she was trying to hurt me. She got what she desired an was moved away. And the higher bosses honored me in doing the right thing all along. God’s way of love is best. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, His way is always best in the end. Thanks for sharing that!
Hi Don! What a great set of scriptures- I see the division of churches all around, however, I also see a lot of unity of Christians in and out of the (church as a whole.) People seem to be hypercritical of the church, in general, and Christians need to focus on eternity, rather than whether or not they are getting catered to within any given church.
Blessings,
Greta
Greta I couldn’t agree more; thank you!
Thanks for good words, Don. It helps to remember that agape love is not an emotion; it’s a decision of obedience that may lead to emotions. Paul struggled with the need to get himself out of the way so the Holy Spirit could have free rein in his life. (Romans 7) So do many of us today. “Sincere love” is one area of real struggle for many believers.
Thank you Bette. Yes, I think we often struggle with this idea of sincere love, especially when we are surrounded by people and situations that aren’t all that lovable.