Articles
How should we love?
God requires us to love our neighbor as our self. How does that play out in our lives? How do we know if we are doing it? In 1 Corinthians 13 we have a description of that love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it is not rude, 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. Love always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
In Romans 12 we find a similar list of love’s qualities, but they are presented as challenges to obey:
- Love must be sincere. Don?t hide the truth, run from it or be belligerent with it.
- Love must be discerning. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
- Love must show human devotion. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
- Love must promote others above self. Honor one another above yourselves.
- Love must be passionate. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep you spiritual fervor…
- Love must express itself in service. Always be serving the Lord.
- Love must be joyful and hopeful. Be joyful in hope.
- Love must be patient. Be patient in affliction.
- Love must be prayerful–faithful in prayer.
- Love must be generous. Share with God?s people who are in need.
- Love must be hospitable. Practice hospitality.
- Love must not be vengeful. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
- Love must be empathetic. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
- Love must be harmonious in its relationships. Live in harmony with one another.
- Love must be humble. Do not be proud. Do not be conceited.
