"let love be genuine;
hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.
love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the lord.
rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;
do not claim to be wiser than you are. " - romans 12: 9-16
read this last night w/the girls, and it got me thinking. lots going on in that little section from paul. as i contemplate the difficulties of community, i see that paul was giving pieces of practical moral advice - but going through the motions here will not suffice. paul is describing a genuine, sincere concern for others - a humble love that defies the watered down ways of the world. this kind of heart needs to be cultivated. i'd like to be the kind of person that weeps with those who weep. the kind of person who extends generosity to saints and strangers alike. that kind of person would be a lot like christ.
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