What is love? Examples abound
ROMANS 12:9-21; This is the most practical section of any of Paul's epistles. In this passage he gets down to where a man really lives and applies the doctrine of salvation through the grace of God. to his everyday, work-aday life. It would be impossible in the space allowed in this article to discuss even briefly this great portion of scripture. We are looking at LOVE in order to encourage each of us to grow in this concept. I am presenting in this article the4 following outline of what Paul is saying to each of us:
1. Love is Sincere, vs. 9a. “Let love be without hypocrisy.”
2.Love is Discriminating, vs. 9b. “Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good.”
3.Love is Fraternal, vs. 10a “In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another.”
4.Love is Humble, vs, 10b. “In honor preferring one another.”
5. Love is Practical, vs, 11. “In diligence not slothful, reverent in spirit.
6. Love is Exultant, vs. 12a. “Rejoicing in hope.”
7. Love is Enduring, vs. 12b. “Patient in tribulation.”
8.Love is Prayerful, vs. 12c. “Continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
9. Love is Helpful, vs, 13. “Communicating
to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.”
10. Love is Gracious, vs. 14, “Bless them that persecute you; bless and curse not,”
11.Love is Sympathetic, vs. 15.“Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.”
12. Love is Unifying, vs, 16a. “Be of the same mind towards one another.”
13. Love is Lowly, vs. 16b. “Set your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
14. Love is without Retaliation, vs. 17a. “Render to no man evil for evil.”
15. Love is Provident, vs. 17b.
“Take thought of things honorable in the sight of all men.”
16. Love is Peaceful, vs, 18. “If possible, as much as is In you lieth, be at peace with all men.”
17. Love is Without Vengeance, vs, 19-20. “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God; for it is written Vengeance belongs unto Me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. But if thy enemy hunger feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in doing so you will heap coals of fire upon his head.”
18. Love is Victorious, vs. 21. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”