LOVE in Romans 12

In reading Romans 12 recently I was impressed by some powerful verses within this chapter. Go pull out your copy of God's Word (or open it online) and read it, then read this:

Recently I was praying for a friend with martial struggles. Being single, I can only imagine how tough marriage is...I've been in relationships, and even in non-romantic relationships, loving one another can be challenging. Choosing to love, choosing to submit, IS tough! However, we are called to submit to one another in love: Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:1b)

As I prayed and read Romans 12, I was reminded that in seeking to submit to God, a husband, boss, etc. We must first start with God's reality check of our sinful, selfish nature: For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.  ( v.3)...OUCH! A painful reminder that too often I DO think of myself more highly than I should.

Reading on, Paul shares in vs. 9-10 how sincerity in loving ("without hypocrisy") enables us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to give one another preference over ourselves. Agape love, that which is perfect and self-sacrificing (as Jesus loved), allows us to be of the same mind [see v.16 with cross reference to v.2]. It also commands that we keep our self in the role of a servant with all humility. This can NOT be done effectively in our own strength! If you've tried to do so in the past, as I have, you failed. Sadly, our nature is not one of agape love (truly Christ-like). Yet we are blessed because as believers, we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us to empower us to be able to love as Christ did, perhaps not perfectly as we are still imperfect, but beyond what we could ever do in our own strength.

I then found a final challenge in v. 18,  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  I don't know about you, but if you are a sinner like me (as we all are accordingly to Rom. 3:23), then this can be challenging. With whom do you find "living peaceably" to be a challenge for you? Pray for them, pray for a super natural understanding, and if they are unsaved, PRAY FOR THEIR SALVATION. Daily pray for faithfulness in obedience to show Christ to them.

I am thankful for the concession that God fully understands our weaknesses and that we struggle in our sin. He knows we find it hard to practice humility and self-sacrifice. He knows that other people in our circle may not be believers, or if they are believers, perhaps they are young in their faith. He knows those around us also struggle as we do to LOVE as Christ would have us love, whether by ignorance or choice. Take heart, friends, in knowing you and I are only responsible for our individual actions. Be mindful of those actions. I pray that we will remember to extend grace, love without hypocrisy and shine brightly for Christ this year ahead. To God be the Glory!