Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality.
Into the Text
Abiding in Christ means allowing His love to shape not only our hearts but also our actions. Paul’s words in Romans 12 give us a glimpse of what it looks like to live out Christ’s love in practical, tangible ways among other believers.
“Love must be without hypocrisy.” Real love doesn’t wear a mask; it’s genuine and rooted in truth. When we abide in Christ, we’re free to love others sincerely, letting go of pretense. This love compels us to cling to what is good, to honor others, and to be devoted in a way that reflects God’s heart.
One of the beautiful ways we can abide in Christ is by showing eagerness in honoring one another. Imagine how much our relationships would change if we actively looked for ways to encourage and uplift each other, putting others’ needs ahead of our own. This is love in action, an overflow of the love Christ has poured into us.
Paul also encourages us to “rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, [and] persist in prayer.” Abiding in Christ gives us strength to rejoice even when things are difficult, to press on when we feel weary, and to keep praying with a hopeful heart. We’re doing it because we’re rooted in a Savior who sustains us through it.
And finally, abiding means giving generously, contributing to the needs of others, and practicing hospitality. This is a love that sees beyond our own lives and reaches out to those around us, helping others with open hands and hearts.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me what real love looks like. Help me to abide in you so that my love for others is genuine, patient, and enduring. Amen.