Leaping with love
John Povey
March 02, 2024
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Romans 12: 9-21 (NRSVA)
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ 20 No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The parts of the human body are linked and joined together to become that one body. This is the image Paul uses to express the unity of the Church which is the Body of Christ. When the root of our conviction is that in Christ we are one, this will shape the fruit of our character and actions. When we follow Jesus, we will wish to advance and encourage what is good in our neighbours. Love is the golden rule, the chief among the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Love summarises the greatest commandments. Love for God. Love for neighbour.
Love must be sincere, truly to overcome evil with good. We conclude our four weeks of reflection on leaping with God, with this thought. Lift one another up, cheer each other on, as together we keep leaping forward in faith, with the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to seek unity with all your people. Give us the wisdom to see what is good and the courage to pursue it passionately. Open our hearts, and teach us to work together for the good of every person. Where there is hatred, may we spread love. May we love one another and overcome evil with good works. May we be cheerful in generosity to both saints and strangers, and never pay back wrong for wrong, but demonstrate always what is good and right. May we have the strength and faith to live at peace with all people. Let your light shine upon us and illuminate our path. These things we ask in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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