the Romans kind of love

last week in cell group, we talked about love. LOVE. The theme for our cell group was falling in love with God. So our cell leader asked us what is love. Most of the time, straight away we will think the Corinthians love (1 cor 13). The  you will think about God is love. Rarely we will heard about romans kind of love. Let’s now see what does the book of Romans says about love.

Romans 12:9-21

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
   ”If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
      if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
   In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1. vs 9 - love must be sincere. love will be able to tell what is good and where love is there is no evi.
2. Love is warm and tender. it unites
3. Love is humble. It esteem others above himself.  Pride is not present in love. Love is able to cause you to associate with other people.
4. vs 11 - Love is eager to serve. it does not sit back and wait to be served but love always takes the first step to reach out and show its love.
5. love is patience. it waits and endures.
6. love isgenerous
7. vs 13 0 love is hospitable. it cares for people.
8. love does not curse, instead it blesses others.
9. love shows itself - it laughs when there is joy, it cries when there is mourning.
10. love believes in harmony.
11. love does not take revenge.

 when i heard this message, i was reminded again about the love of God. I was reminded of my action to others…did i show love to the people around me? not only those who is good to me, but those that do not know me, do i show the love of God. Did i potray God the right way?

last night, one of the point in sermon was about love. One of the mini-point. It says, when you love someone, you will go all out to treat them well, etc. A good example is your girlfriend…if you are going out on a date with her, will you ask her to take a bus and meet u somewhere? or will go and fetch her and go with her? Love will go an extra mile just to show that it is there. If you love her, you will go all the way to her place and pick her up, and go together for lunch or dinner…..same thing with God. God didn’t ask us to come to Him just like tat? God first loved us, He first show us His love by sending Jesus to die on the cross that we may come to Him. God came to us and brought us to Him. That is true love!

The love of God is so great, and just knowing by words is not enough, you just have to experience it and know it in your heart.