Romans 12:9-13
Verse 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
When we become sincere in our love for other believers, the relationship can’t stop at the surface level. By following up the prompt to be sincere in our love with the point that we need to be devoted to one another in love, helps push us deeper into the loving relationship God has commanded His people to have.
Being devoted is something which may seem old-fashioned to some as society doesn’t hold devotion and commitment very high. We live where the only one most people are devoted to are themselves, and media on all levels seems to make sure we are focused on ourselves. People actually go to college to learn how to make sure we are focused on ourselves, marketing the latest things to make us more youthful looking, slimming, help us stay organized and countless other products to keep us focused on making ourselves all we want to be.
So if we are supposed to be devoted to each other, how can we go about changing our focus from being on ourselves to being on fellow believers? First off we have to realize it isn’t about the products or the programs, it is simply about loving God and His people. How we do that matters and that is why we have to be devoted to the process. Without the commitment to each other there won’t be a deepening love for our Christian brothers and sisters because it isn’t something which just happens, it takes work.
Being devoted to each other requires a firm decision. We have to make the choice to put the other person and their needs above our own and not expect anything in return. It isn’t that love won’t be returned, just that we shouldn’t expect it. The moment we start expecting it, it becomes about ourselves again.
The moment we start loving God as we are supposed to, it will be easier to make the choice to love others as He has commanded us to. No gimmicks or formulas, just go old hard work. Putting in the effort to make it happen because we know God first loved us when we didn’t deserve it.
Making It Personal
How devoted are you to loving other believers? How much effort are you willing to put into it? How much of an effort do you put into being lovable?
Making It Personal Kids
How hard do you try to love other people? Do you try to be more lovable so others don’t have to work so hard at loving you? Why can loving others be so hard?
Closing Prayer
Father, You are so devoted to us no matter how many times we fail. Please help us love other believers with the same kind of devotion. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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