Christian Love Sacrifices Self to Benefit and Build Up Others
- Jack Selcher
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
A concert pianist coaxes beautiful sounds from the same instrument that a child turns into an instrument of torture. The God-controlled life is beautifully harmonious. What does God’s love in shoe leather look like?
It loves believers sincerely without pretending. It is married to good. It does not court evil (Romans 12:9).
It does not focus on others’ bad points and its good points. It does not wait for praise from others. It encourages other believers to use their strengths to build up Christ’s body (Romans 12:10).
Its spiritual fire does not flicker. Diligent effort maintains spiritual enthusiasm. It keeps on loving God and others.
The hope of seeing and being united with Jesus enables rejoicing despite difficulties. Prayer keeps it burning brightly (Romans 12:11-12).
Its definition of Christian fellowship is not a handshake or a potluck dinner. It shares its burdens and blessings. It willingly enters the worlds of the burdens and blessings of other believers (Romans 12:13).
Hospitality is sharing with others at home. It is not entertaining others. It is providing a place to support and strengthen them (Romans 12:13).
It is harmonious. It rejoices in others’ good fortune. It rejects all feelings of spiritual superiority. It mingles with people of low social standing.
No task is beneath it. It fosters harmony because it is humble, willing to share, and accepts others’ advice. It enthusiastically shines the spotlight on others (Romans 12:16).
It does not try to get even with those who’ve hurt it. It prays for their forgiveness and a change of heart concerning Christianity.
It requires a supernatural gear that only God’s grace can provide. It passes God’s forgiveness on to those who have hurt it (Romans 12:19).
It seeks to live in peace with others. That is not always possible. Although it does everything possible to seek peace, others can still reject it (Romans 12:18).
It repays evil with kindness (Romans 12:20-21). It works actively for the good of those who attack it. Its unexpected behavior can melt the hardest heart.
A Christian shared about the Lord with a friend. The friend told him off. The Christian responded kindly. It was a turning point that led to the friend’s salvation. That is God’s love in shoe leather. What is your takeaway?
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