The early Christians living in ancient Rome did not have the Bible. They simply had heard the good news about Jesus Christ – who came to be the Savior of the world – and they had believed. They had turned away from following false gods and goddesses, to follow Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul wanted to come to Rome to give these people instruction & teaching in matters of doctrine, and how to live a holy life. But he was unable to. So he wrote a letter to them. The letter to the Romans. This letter is in our Bible today.
What did the Apostle Paul tell these people of ancient Rome? What was the instruction he sent to them for how to live a holy life?
“Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
– Romans 12:9-11
A life that is “marked” by Jesus Christ is a life characterized by love.
So … does this mean we are to love everyone, no matter what? Many situations in life are complicated. It’s tricky to know exactly how to love.
If someone is treating us harsh and cruel … are we to just let them treat us that way, in the name of love?
If someone is taking advantage of us … are we to just let them treat us that way, in the name of love?
If someone is mentally unhealthy and continually pours out their toxic negativity, complaining, criticism, and depression all over us … are we to just let them treat us that way, in the name of love?
“Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
– Romans 12:9-10
Yes, we must be sincere in our love. But we are not to tolerate what is evil.
If someone is treating us harsh and cruel … we do not need to be a “doormat” in the name of love. We can take steps to protect ourselves from that harsh, cruel treatment … because that behavior is evil.
The action of love in this situation would be to not become vindictive. Not to become angry and lash out in response. Not to seek revenge. Love can still be sincere, even in this situation.
If someone is taking advantage of us … we do not need to be a “doormat” in the name of love. We can take steps to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of … because that behavior is evil.
The action of love in this situation would be to create some distance. To remove ourselves from the situation, if at all possible. To not harbor a grudge. Love can still be sincere, even in this situation.
If someone is mentally unhealthy and continually pours out their toxic negativity, complaining, criticism, and depression all over us … we do not need to be a “doormat” in the name of love. We can take steps to protect ourselves from this toxic person … because that behavior is evil.
The action of love in this situation would be to create healthy boundaries. In a situation like this there is often pressure that their happiness is our responsibility. This thinking is evil. Each person is accountable to God for their own attitude. Each person is accountable to God for their own decisions – whether to be grateful or whether to choose to be unhappy & miserable.
Love can be sincere and still draw boundaries.
Love can be sincere and still create some space.
The action of love is to not cut off the relationship completely. But rather, love stays the course (holding fast to healthy boundaries) even though it is challenging, difficult, and oftentimes painful.
“Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”
– Romans 12:9-10
Love stays the course.
The people in ancient Rome who received this letter were normal people just like us today.
They lived in normal modest houses, just like these.
They ate their meals from normal dishes, just like these.
They walked on normal ordinary streets, just like this … to go to normal ordinary jobs, just like we do today.
They were yelled at and cursed at by their coworkers … just like we are today. They were taken advantage of … just like we are today. They had complicated relationships with difficult people … just like we have today.
Life is hard.
Life drains us.
Life takes everything out of us!
It is hard to love.
When we are strong and healthy and full of energy, it is easy to have zeal for doing what is right … zeal to love with sincerity.
But when we are weary … and weak … and depleted … … it is really, really, hard to love with sincerity.
It is really hard to respond in kindness (with a sincere love) when someone yells at us and curses at us. It is really hard to respond in kindness (with a sincere love) when someone takes advantage of us for their own profit & personal gain.
It is really hard to respond in kindness (with a sincere love) when someone dumps their toxic negativity, complaints, criticisms, and depression all over us.
Hence, Paul instructs: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:11
A life that is “marked” by Jesus Christ is a life characterized by love. A love that is sincere … even when it means drawing healthy boundaries. A love that is sincere … even though it is hard.
A love that is sincere enough to stay the course.
