TEXT - Romans 12:9-11
The Apsotle Paul has laid the foundation for our transformation (the mercies of God in verses 1-2). He has called us to serve one another humbly with the spiritual gifts we have been given (verses 3-8). In verses 9-11 he begins a long list of characteristics that mark the Christian life as we seek to serve one another. First and foremost on this list is love. In order to live lives marked by God's transforming grace, we must love one another with fervency. After all, we have been fervently loved by God in Christ.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
How do you define love? In what ways is the biblical understanding of love different from how the world understands love?
Paul begins a long list of commands with the call to genuine love. Why do you think this is at the top of the list?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Paul commands love. We may think, “How can you command someone to feel something?” How does the gospel message cultivate love within our hearts, even when we don’t feel very loving?
As Christians, we are to abhor (hate) evil and hold fast to what is good. In what ways are you tempted to do the reverse (Hold fast to/love evil & despise what is good)?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Take some time to read through this list of the “one another” commands given to the church in the New Testament (Yes, read ALL of them!).
Which ones do you find most difficult to follow in loving brothers and sisters in Christ?
Discuss practical ways to obey God’s command to genuinely love one another.