Romans 12:9-10 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
On this day of love (Valentine’s Day 2024) I read these verses in Romans 12:9-10 for my personal Bible study. The word ‘genuine’ in Romans 12:9 means to be of such purity and consistency that its value is priceless and irrevocable. It is a call to show love in active ways that are sincere, honest, selfless, and kind. They are expressions of love that show in both words and actions. They are experienced both emotionally and physically. One of our granddaughters at one of our family gatherings was standing next to me. She was quiet, looking a little coy, and of course so very cute. She started to move and wiggle herself into my arms. She then said, “Papa can you hold me?” Naturally, I scooped her up in my arms and held her tight. She kept the squeeze going for a bit longer than usual. Then I asked, “What’s going on Little Chicken? (one of my nick names for her).” She was quiet for a bit and spent a little time stroking my beard. I squeezed again and said, “I love you!” She replied in a kind of matter-of-fact way, “I know…I just wanted to feel it!” She released her grip and said with a big smile, “I love you too, Papa!” as she went off to play with her cousins. I thought, so true, sometimes I just want to feel the love. Love can’t be just a feeling we feel or thought we think, we should let love be active and do that more. So yes, let’s love more.
The bible encourages us to love more in an empathic way.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Also loving more in seeking humble harmony.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
As well, loving more seeks peace.
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Psalms 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good;seek peace and pursue it.
The Bible book of Romans goes on to encourage us in how to love more…
Romans 12:14-18 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Our words and thoughts matter, but so do our actions. Let’s love more in active ways as we care and feel with others. Seek ways to help and bless others. Loving more is selfless, generous, and humble. One little act of caring, seeking harmony and peace, can have a huge impact. How could you love more today?
Attending church can help us love more. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together. We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to love more along with you,
Messages From Mike 
