Let Love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21
The world around us cannot comprehend how the gospel changes individuals and societies , how by faithful application of God’s law-word, we stand in anthesis to the ways of a lost and dying culture. The ever crumbling infrastructure of humanism’s golden cities become the foundational stones of Christendom’s ever increasing territories.
The Road we travel is not for the uncommitted or faint of heart. It is treacherous, long, and winding and susceptible to all sorts of tempests. A traveler under the allegiance of Christ Jesus will face many a trial and temptation, yet he is not to travel alone. In His providence, He has given us to the service of one another under His banner. No storm can rage that cannot be endured by His unquenchable grace and mercy, in the arms of His strength, and in the company of fellow travelers on the road home in pursuit of the long tomorrow.
The burdens we bear in this mortal life are easier to withstand when we share in its weight. As I have journeyed this side of eternity I have cherished these two thoughts: that our God is sovereign over all of history and in all things, even the minuest details of my life, and that in His mercy and grace, He has given to me the strength and hope I need to persevere. Christ Jesus has brought into my life beautiful saints who I am blessed to walk with.
Over the course of the past year I have struggled mightily. But I have yet to take even a step alone. Christ walks before me, beside me, and behind me in the body of His people. These beautiful saints have interceded for me and my family and given the gifts of time, service, and material goods. Many have immense struggles of their own. But they have heeded the call of the Savior to bear one another’s burdens, to pray unceasingly, and to rejoice and mourn with one another in its appropriate time. Christ stated that we would be known as His disciples if He we have love for one another. This love is tangible, not a fleeting emotion. It is a commitment to love as Christ loved, to love in the midst of our own storms, to love when it’s the most difficult thing for us to do. This love is pure, is selfless, is self-sacrificing. It’s neither comfortable nor easy! But oh the love of the saints!
Love has hands. It’s never idle. It’s never empty as its well is continually refreshed in the service of King Jesus. This road is not meant to be traveled alone. It’s not meant to be aimless and without purpose. It’s not meant to be devoid of love’s service and sacrifice. We are Christ’s co-heirs, children of the living God. Let us walk in joyful anticipation, bearing each other’s burdens in love, and continue to confound those on the outside.
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