Genuine Love

All throughout the Bible the writers speak of the many different formations of God’s Everlasting Love. His Love is described as loyal, undying, unconditional, reckless, amazing, and much more. This morning I want to discuss another way His Love is described and taught that in a way that we can do the same. I am speaking of His Genuine Love. Paul wrote to the Roman believers:
Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good. If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written, “Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For by doing this, you will heap fiery coals [of shame] on his head.”  Romans 12:9-20
Early Rome Community of Believers
The Word and the Way found itself in Rome. At first they were a community ignored by the Emperor and the Senate but during the tyrannical rule of Nero, Christians were blamed for the fires. This caused a great many people to be persecuted and martyred.
Paul found himself in jail numerous times for stirring up trouble. While a loyal Roman citizen would see it that way, Paul and the believers knew different. With the persecutions happening almost daily, Paul wrote to encourage the people and keep their mind on the truth of Jesus.
Let Your Love Be Genuine
This portion of Romans is literally how we are to love our Father, Savior, and one another in a nutshell. Love is not just a face we put on like make up in the morning, it is the deep inward expression from our hearts that have been convicted to care for others before ourselves. This is one of those portions that really does not need deep explanation as it speaks plainly and clearly what and how we should be.
In this portion Paul tells them that they should remain faithful to the teachings through thoughts and actions of loving kindness. We are not to sit back and let others do the work when we are all commissioned to do the same. While Jesus taught us to love our enemies, Paul tells us to also bless them through our love. He teaches that we are all on the same level being that no human is more important than another but accept our lot in life treating everyone with the same humble heart. If someone wrongs you do not return with harmful words or behaviors but instead envelope the person with the Love of God through your actions and words.   
I Know it is Hard
Look, I know the difficulties in this age to be what God desires of us to be but if they could do it back then when their actions led to their deaths, we can do it today. What is the worst that can happen to us? Yes in some countries it does mean death but in other countries it means jail, lawsuits, loss of business, etc. If we lose everything then we have gained more than the person(s) that caused it will ever understand. Yes it will be hard but we are not being literally fed to lions or being run through by a sword. Have patience, continue to love no matter the cost, keep your eyes on the prize (as Paul puts it), stay in the Word and the Word will guide you. But mostly, Love one another just as He has loved us.
Be Blessed,
Rob, Servant of God