S11P2 – The action of love: dedicated service

Romans 12:10-11

Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord;

If this passage has one theme, it is passion. The love we are to show one another is a deep love normally reserved for family. We are to love with devotion, affection and honor for one another. The love we are to show to God is a diligent and enthusiastic love that illustrates our excitement for the things of His kingdom.

God gave us hearts that desire to love with a full measure, and He instructs us to love in such a way. He does not ask us to hold back in our dedication to Him or to the brethren. This is a full-throttle love. And whether we are loving our brothers and sisters or loving the Lord, it manifests as an act of service.

God’s calling us to love is His calling us to serve. If we love Him as He desires, it will show in our dedication to serve Him and the church. Love is not what we feel but what we do and how we do it. Father, help us grow in our love for each other and our love for You, so that we are dedicated to the service of love as you would have us be.