SINCERE LOVE!

What is sincere love?  Paul discusses the behavior of “sincere love” in the context of social relationship in Roman 12:9-21.

1.       Love is real and genuine (Romans 12:9 – compare

             (1 Timothy 1:5)

2.       Love is discerning and sensitive to others – (Rom. 12:9)

3.       Love is brotherly affection -  (Rom. 12:10)

4.       Love is selfless – (Rom. 12:10)

a.       Preferring one another over self

b.      Outdoing one another in mutual service

5.       Love is practical  (Rom. 12:11)

a.       Deligent love never lags in zeal

b.      Growing love is always fervent in spirit

c.       Serving love is always conscious of the Lord

6.       Love is exhuberant (Rom. 12:12)

7.       Love is steadfast  (Rom. 12:12)

8.       Love is prayerful  (Rom. 12:12)

9.       Love is helpful (Rom. 12:13)

a.       Benevolent love shares with those in need 

            (esp.  brothers and sisters in Christ)

b.      Hospitable love keeps the heart and home open

            to serve God by being generous to others.

10.   Love is GRACIOUS (Rom. 12:14; Matt 5:43-48)

11.   Love is considerate (Rom. 12:15)

12.   Love is unifying (Rom. 12:16)

a.       Oneness is the objective.

b.       Mutual concern is the means

c.       Harmony in the body of Christ is the result

13.   Love is humble (Rom. 12:16)

14.   Love is non-retaliating  (Rom. 12:17)

15.   Love is peace making (Rom. 12:18)

16.   Love is not self-avenging (Rom. 12:19-20)

17.   Love is victorious (Rom. 12:21)

a.      Do not overcome by evil

b.      But overcome evil with good

In conclusion, this is what love is like, and how love reacts and behaves in all of life’s aspect. To “Walk in the newness of life” means “to walk in love” - (Romans. 13:8-14) 

By Larry Deason