Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Romans 12:9-16
Dear God, in other words, “Get over yourself, love God and love others.” I wonder if a song has ever been written based on this passage. It’s one of those great admonitions I might hear at a graduation ceremony. If I were to ever give a commencement address, I can see building the whole thing around this passage.
When I sat down this morning, my first thought was that I really need to focus on worshipping you. I haven’t taken the time to pray in this way in a few days and I can feel it. I miss you. Yeah. I’ve missed you. So I want to worship you this morning. You are this unbelievable… well, God, and I am humbled in front of you. I’m just here right now to worship, bow down, and say that you’re my God.
Father, may the words of my mouth, the acts of my hands, and the meditations of my heart bring glory to you today.
I pray this through the grace of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection,
Amen