MAY 13, 2023
READ: Romans 12 (Focus 9–18)
MEMORY VERSE
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
BACKGROUND
Running a marathon is about pushing yourself, physically and mentally. For one high school runner, however, competing in a cross-country race is all about pushing someone else.
In every practice and meet, fourteen-year-old Susan Bergeman pushes older brother, Jeffrey, in his wheelchair. When Jeffrey was twenty-two months old, he went into cardiac arrest—leaving him with severe brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Today, Susan sacrifices personal running goals so Jeffrey might compete with her. What love and sacrifice!
The apostle Paul had love and sacrifice in mind when he encouraged his readers to be “devoted to one another” (Romans 12:10). He knew that the believers in Rome were struggling with jealousy, anger, and sharp disagreements (v. 18).
So, he encouraged them to let divine love rule their hearts. This kind of love, rooted in Christ’s love, would fight for the highest possible good of others. It would be sincere, and it would lead to generous sharing (v. 13).
Those who love this way are eager to consider others more worthy of honor than themselves (v. 16).
As believers in Jesus, we’re running a race of love while helping others finish the race too. Though it can be difficult, it brings honor to Jesus. So, for love’s sake, let’s rely on Him to empower us to love and serve others.
By: Marvin Williams
INSIGHT
In many of Paul’s letters, he follows a simple pattern. He begins with a section of doctrine or teaching, then finishes with a section of application.
We see this in Ephesians, where chapters 1–3 provide doctrine (what we believe) and chapters 4–6 offer practical ideas for living out that truth (how we behave).
In Romans, chapters 1–11 offer a robust defense and explanation of the gospel of God’s grace and chapters 12–16 provide application for living gospel-based lives.
Romans 12:9–18 is a classic example of this practical counsel. It’s noteworthy that most of this counsel pertains to how we treat one another as humans, both inside and outside the family of faith (vv. 10–18), for we live out the gospel in relationship with others.
By: Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
What does it mean for you to love others as God loves them? How does Jesus reveal that love is more than emotion?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Let Love be genuine” Romans 12:9 (esv)
“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it” (msg) Romans 12:9
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“As believers in Jesus, we’re running a race of love while helping others finish the race too.”
PRAYER
“God of love, for love’s sake and Your glory, help me to consider others” before I consider myself.
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SHOW ME HOW TO LOVE” Babbie Mason
You didn’t have to leave the glory of heaven
But You became a simple man
You didn’t have to serve the poor and afflicted
But You touched and healed their brokenness
No greater love has been given
You became the ultimate sacrifice
Created me, the heart of a servant
Let this be my soul’s desire
Show me how to love
In the true meaning of the word
Teach me to sacrifice
Expecting nothing in return
I want to give my life away
Becoming more like You each and every day
My words are not enough
Show me how to love
I saw a bruised and battered woman
With her hungry children on the street
Then I heard You ask in that still small voice
“What have you done for the least of these?”
Lord, consume me with a burning fire
That melts away my complacency
Then let me be moved with love and compassion
Then someone will find the way in me
Show me how to love
In the true meaning of the word
Teach me to sacrifice
Expecting nothing in return
I want to give my life away
Becoming more like You each and every day
My words are not enough
Please show me how to love
Open up my eyes that I might really see
More and more and more of You and less of me
By loving the unlovable and touching the untouchable
Let my actions speak louder than my words
Show me how to love
In the true meaning of the word
Teach me to sacrifice
Expecting nothing in return
I want to give my life away
Becoming more like You each and every day
My words are not enough
Please show me how to love
My words are not enough
Please show me how to love
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
2 Kings 17–18
John 3:19–36
