I read an article today about what new mommy’s need. The writer’s remarks were witty and spot on. It inspired me to think about what a life of love and service looks like.
Paul wrote, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Ro 12:10)
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
We are called to a life of service—to think of others before thinking of ourselves. “Outdo one another”
But how do we do this? How can we serve willingly and selflessly? How can we know what people actually need?
By following Paul’s appeal at the beginning of what we have labeled “chapter 12”:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Transformation is key. We have to let Christ change us—to open our minds and hearts to what is true and right and good so he can fill us with his love. His pure, unselfish, untainted love.
“Let love be genuine.
Abhor what is evil;
Hold fast to what is good.
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.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
Weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be haughty, but
Associate with the lowly.
Never be wise in your own sight.
Repay no one evil for evil, but
Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Christ “emptied himself,” “made himself nothing.” Because he lived this kind of life, he was sensitive to the needs of others. He was able to empathize, not just sympathize. He was able to live the life we are challenged to live in Romans 12. He loved purely. He loved without expecting or needing anything in return. He loved without strings.
We love because he first loved us.
