Love In Action - Practical love through servanthood.

Do you ever find it hard to love someone with whom you disagree? I don’t know about you, but I can sometimes be pretty self-centred. The last thing I want to do is submit to someone else or be a servant to them, especially if I’m having a conflict with that person.

However, I need to pray for the person and the situation. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12 NIV) If I am praying for someone, I allow God and the Holy Spirit to work through me, not acting out of my desires to be right or in control of a situation.

Romans chapter 12 is full of commands on how to love well. In the early church, new believers came from diverse backgrounds and held varying beliefs, customs, traditions, and social statuses. As a result, there could be discord, disagreements, and strife at times. Paul wrote to the Roman church to remind them of Jesus' teachings on loving one another and to offer suggestions on how to love well.

However, “Live in harmony with one another” (12:16a) is easier said than done, especially when we have differences of opinion and want our way. But Paul continues to advise in verse 18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The secret to living in peace and harmony is summarized in verse 10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”

Jesus modelled love in action through servanthood. He loved people, served their needs, and submitted himself to honour others. When we defer to one another, showing love, honour, and respect as servants of the Lord, we are modelling Jesus and his love for others. We can show love in practical ways such as visiting, sharing resources, extending hospitality, and praying for one another. It could be as simple as a phone call.

This chapter also has many nuggets of wisdom for practically managing our responses towards those who have hurt us or whom we may consider an “enemy.” But this line sums up the tone of the chapter: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (12:14)

When we put our love into action, we prioritize the needs of others over our own and allow God’s desires to supersede our agendas. If I seek unity with others, I am less likely to insist on my way and have fewer disagreements. When we seek peace and harmony through our loving actions, we can bring a spirit of unity to our families, friendships, churches, and communities. This is how we can love others well, as Jesus did.

How can we show love to others in a practical way today?