Romans 12:9-13: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
In the whole chapter of Romans 12, Paul packs a full punch of what is required in the life of all Christians and has practical application for those in leadership, in our work, in our ministry, and how we treat one another. Paul’s topic sentence in this section is his first sentence: “Let love be genuine.” We must practice Christ’s love with sincere and genuine intensity and oppose any compromise of immorality. Our speech and behavior must model Christ’s example in our integrity.
Paul states the marks of a true Christian in Romans 12:9-13 should be:
- Genuine love for others.
- Abhor what is evil – flee from it; hold fast to what is right.
- Love one another with brotherly affection.
- Outdo one another in showing honor and appreciation because they have been made in the image of God and because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Be spunky and not lazy – have a spiritual zeal for the Lord.
- Be fervent in spirit. Use your spiritual gifts passionately and enthusiastically.
- Serve the Lord.
- Rejoice in hope.
- Patient in tribulation.
- Constant in prayer.
- Meet others needs.
- Show hospitality.
When you ask someone how they are doing, you need to give full attention to their answer. If they say, “I’m hanging in there,” then ask what is going on? Tell me more! Show genuine concern and tell them you will pray for their needs. Warren Wiersbe states it so well: “Paul reminded them that they must enter into the feelings of others. Christian fellowship is much more than a pat on the back and a handshake. It means sharing the burdens and blessings of others so that we all grow together and glorify the Lord.”
In Romans 12:9, Paul talks about leading “with zeal.” Then in verse 11, he states: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit.” We are to have great passion, vigor, enthusiasm, and diligence for the cause of Christ. When life becomes challenging, we cannot allow our zeal for Christ, to grow cold due to discouragement. All of the great leaders in the Old Testament – Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and others were warned by God not to be afraid and not give in to discouragement and despair. “Moses reminded the people (Deut. 1:21ff) that God had told them not to be scared, afraid, anxious, distressed, intimidated, discouraged, hopeless, disheartened, or depressed in their situation regarding entering the hill country of the Amorites. The word afraid is used 122 times in the Bible; fear is used 90 times; discouraged has 13 occurrences; dismayed has 9 occurrences, and terrified has 8 occurrences (p.8 Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial).” Having grit, determination, steadfastness, perseverance (Rom. 12:12), trust and hope, must be held onto tightly. We have to continually look to God to be in charge of our crisis management.
Laziness would be the opposite of having a fervent spirit and having zeal. I think of the word – “spunky” – one who has high intensity, and a particular friend of mine comes to my mind when I think of the word “spunky.” I love her enthusiasm for everything she does! This is the type of model Paul is telling the people one needs to emulate in their actions of love for one another – be that in our workplace, people we interact with at church, and in our community. This type of testimony shines the truth of the gospel into the hearts of others.
Who can you seek out to show love to today to help encourage and promote that needs affirmation and appreciation? Do it with spunk. Be spunky – they may just need your humble and sincere love, and cheerfulness showed to them today just by you. Lead with zeal and be fervent in Spirit for God’s glory.
Two songs on YouTube to listen to today: Chris Tomlin – Nobody Loves Me Like You (Lyrics). Then listen to Lauren Daigle – Everything (Lyrics).