“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)

Love in action, is the subtitle given to the paragraphs containing today’s verses. Which is a perfect way of thinking about love. Biblically, Love is not defined as a feeling but as a collection of actions. Paul starts his “Love In Action” section by stating the attitude that one needs to show love. They must be sincere, meaning that the gesture must be authentic and genuine with no hint of malice or deceit. Then he moves on to some characteristics of love. To love does not mean that we overlook the bad, instead we are to hate what is evil while clinging to what is good. Often we may love someone who is in a dark place. Our love shouldn’t give a blind eye on the things holding them in the darkness, but through accountability, we can find the good and use that as the basis for something new in their life. And no matter if you love those on a good path or not, love takes devotion and placing ourselves second to those who we love. Practicing biblical loving requires work and effort. Paul urges his reader to never lose hope or the will to devote your energy into loving others. As humans, these requirements can seem overwhelming. But Paul also reminds us to intensely rely on God and the Holy Spirit within us. Lastly, Paul says to have joy in your service. Love joyfully, being patient even in times of affliction. And most importantly remain prayerful, asking God for help to love with an open and genuine heart. So today put love in action, and experience the joy of storing treasures in heaven.