[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (Romans 12:9–13)
How are these “marks” of the faith impacting you today?
In this section of Romans, the Apostle Paul is describing some Christian aptitudes and attitudes, traits and practices. God develops these within us over time as part of our sanctification.
What in this passage is energizing you? Are you passionate about holding fast to what is good? Do you revel in outdoing others in showing honor? Lean into whatever in this passage inspires you. It is a blessing when, motivated by God’s love, we live out the faith in these ways.
Does anything in this passage cause you to pause? These are statements of law, meaning these describe how God expects us to live. One use of the law is to convict us of sin. Maybe you experienced a tightening in your gut when you read, “Love one another with brotherly affection.” This happened because there is brother or sister in Christ with whom you are now angry and resentful. Instead of loving you’re avoiding this brother or sister.
If this is the case, remember the purpose of the law is not to make us feel guilty. The purpose is to drive us to Jesus. When we confess our sins, we know God has promised to forgive the sins. We experience God’s grace.
It is through this grace that God motivates us desire the traits and practices in this passage. God generates our desire contribute to the needs of the saints or show hospitality. God brings us back to the point where these aptitudes or attitudes give us joy in Christ.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 