Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Sometimes it seems to take a long time for Paul to say things - like his deep discussion in chapters 9 through 11. But then he gets to practical exhortations like this and he unloads them rapid-fire. Simple imperatives with serious implications. What a compilation of challenges for self-examination, which we need to unpack and investigate. Am I in any way being fake? How committed am I? Am i complaining about or growing through life's challenges? Does my generosity demonstrate my understanding of the Grace God has shown me? May we not rush through such condensed lists, but like a can of soup, take it out - mix it around, stirring it up and letting it simmer - look and smell. This is what read faith looks like, smells like, tastes like.
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