Romans 12:9-21 New International Version (NIV)
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
GOD'S WORD ~
Faith, Hope and Love
I find that morning is the perfect time for me to get alone with God and pray. Not only pray but praise him for all he has already done in my life. When I read the part about practice hospitality, it brought a story to my mind. We were living in a hard season of life and needed food. Our church was giving a food shower to a family that evening. My husband suggested we give something from our house. I look through my stuff and got together a few good things I would have wanted for a family in need. I didn't go to church that night, I stayed home with the kids. My husband came back and the car was full of groceries. He said, "we were the family they collected food for tonight". I started crying felt so bad because it was hard giving our food, when I knew we needed it too. Yet, the word of God speaks about giving and sharing with those in need. Life changed that night for me and my view of life was so grateful to God and those who gave to us.
People might not know where we are in life, but God does. God supplies our needs and our testimonies became life to others. I know God did this for us and he will help others too. Seasons come and go in life, but we can always look back to see how God just carried us through certain times of life.
GOD'S WORD ~
I remember having my Bible open on my table. One of my granddaughters was surprised I read the Bible. I told her I always read the Bible but I usually use my lap top or cell phone. My Bible was small and hard for me to read. So I ordered a new Bible and leave it open now. I want my grandchildren to know I read and live the Bible best I can. All of us make mistakes and God is a forgiving God. Life is short and our example on earth matters!
My prayers are with you, your family and friends. Thank you for taking time to read this, plant faith, hope and love in everyday of life.
~ Sparkie